Cross-strait tensions no hurdle for Taiwanese shoppers – if the price is right

In the bustling city of Taipei, Hsu Wei had a decision to make: which portable phone printer to buy? He compared a Japanese Fujifilm model with a Chinese Xiaomi one. After considering the price and features, he chose the Xiaomi printer for NT$1,600 (US$50). The political tensions between Taiwan and mainland China didn't influence his decision much; he was more focused on getting a good deal. nnMany Taiwanese shoppers, like Hsu, prioritize cost-performance value, or 'CP value,' when buying electronics. This means they look for products that offer good functionality for a reasonable price. Hu Jin-li, a professor at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, observed that despite geopolitical issues, Taiwanese consumers continue to purchase Chinese products if they offer high CP value. nnDavid Tang, another shopper, visited the Syntrend mall to check if the prices of Chinese tech brands had dropped enough to justify a purchase. Brands like Oppo and Lenovo are well-known in Taiwan for their affordable electronics. Although there are concerns about the political relationship between Taiwan and China, many Taiwanese are willing to buy Chinese products if the price is right. nnChinese electronics, such as Xiaomi's fitness bands, are known for being extremely affordable. Sean Su, a tech analyst, noted that they are priced so low that consumers can easily replace them if needed. However, the affordability often comes with a trade-off in durability, as some products may need to be replaced every few years due to early malfunctions. nnAibo Tsai, a professional in the biotech industry, purchased a Xiaomi smartphone for its price and features. Despite occasional freezing, he appreciates its headphone jack, which he uses to play music in his car. Chang Chih-pin, a retiree, also values the cost-performance of Chinese electronics and doesn't mind replacing them every few years. He doesn't let political sentiments affect his purchasing decisions, noting that many products in Taiwan are manufactured in China regardless of the brand. nnIn Taiwan, Chinese brands are mainly known for electronics, unlike in other parts of the world where China is also recognized for sportswear and appliances. Adonis Chang from Ogilvy pointed out that for Taiwanese consumers, the price and quality of a product are more important than its country of origin. nnTaiwan's market is relatively small, and investment from mainland China has decreased significantly. However, Chinese smartphone brands are expanding their presence in Taiwan by increasing marketing efforts and sales channels. Oppo, for example, has been enhancing its retail presence, and Vivo collaborates with Taiwanese telecom carriers. nnAt Guanghua Market, a popular electronics hub in Taipei, several vendors sell Oppo phones, and the brand has opened a store to display its latest offerings. Lenovo competes by offering competitive prices, frequent new models, and convenient after-sale services. Together with Huawei, Lenovo holds a notable share of Taiwan's PC market. nnDespite the competitive prices and efforts by Chinese brands, some Taiwanese consumers remain cautious. Bernie Huang, a high school teacher, avoids Chinese electronics due to concerns about data security and labour standards. Influenced by statements from US officials and Taiwan's ruling party, these consumers prioritize data privacy and ethical considerations in their purchasing decisions.