China’s online sales surge

Online shopping continues its rise in China.

The nation’s online retailers have recorded 1.1 trillion yuan ($176.1 billion) in sales during the first half, 33.4 per cent higher than the same period last year.

Online sales now account for 8.4 percent of the nation’s overall retail sales, according to the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM).

MOFCOM says counterfeiting is still a serious issue, however, marketplaces are strengthening their efforts to fend off fraudulent third party merchants.

“The sale of fake goods is a common problem faced by all e-commerce sites that allow third parties to sell on their platforms,” said Doug Young, a financial journalism professor at Fudan University.

Jumei, an online cosmetics retailer, has removed products from a third party merchant Belle Boutique after discovering it was selling fake products.

“We sincerely apologise to all customers who bought from the supplier and will provide unconditional product return services,” Jumei said in a statement.

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