As U.S. orders fade, Chinese salespeople face tough grind in new markets

• New market orders are smaller and less lucrative than U.S. sales, with profits at Chinese industrial firms falling 13.1% year-on-year in November, leading to lower commissions and pay for salespeople
• Workers face significantly increased labor intensity, with one sales rep earning just $2 commission after months of client communication, while constant availability is required to serve global time zones
• Economists warn China's export-driven strategy is unsustainable, as weak domestic consumption forces producers to compete overseas against each other, bringing revenue but eroding profits and perpetuating deflation

Summary: China's Export Diversification Brings Record Surplus but Strains Workers

China achieved a record $1.2 trillion trade surplus in 2025 despite U.S. shipments falling 20% amid escalating trade tensions under President Trump, who raised tariffs to over 100% in April. While exports surged to alternative markets—up 25.8% to Africa, 13.4% to Southeast Asia, 7.4% to Latin America, and 8.4% to the EU—Chinese salespeople report this success came at significant cost.

Key Challenges:

Reuters interviewed 14 export salespeople who described the new markets requiring higher volumes of smaller, cheaper orders, resulting in lower commissions and profits. Industrial firm profits fell 13.1% year-on-year in November, the fastest decline in over a year. Workers face longer hours, greater uncertainty, and intense pressure, with one salesperson earning just $2 commission after months negotiating a single-battery order.

Monthly salaries remain low—around 5,000 yuan ($717)—barely above factory workers despite constant availability demands. Social media analysis found 37 of the top 100 export-related posts complained about job stress, with six citing unprofessional client interactions.

Market Implications:

Experts warn China's 2025 export diversification success may be unsustainable. The strategy relies on high-volume, low-margin sales with extended payment cycles and higher default risks. Companies undercut each other to secure orders, eroding profitability despite revenue growth.

Analysts emphasize China must develop domestic consumption to end its deflationary cycle and achieve sustainable growth, as continued reliance on foreign markets intensifies competition among Chinese exporters while weakening profit margins. The salespeople's hardships signal potential structural challenges ahead for Beijing's export-dependent economic model.