Consumer
Safeguarding your brand
View our capabilities
19 1月 2026
Insight
China
China’s consumer goods sector in 2025 continued to be shaped by strong policy support, evolving consumption patterns, and rapid technology adoption against a backdrop of economic uncertainty. Looking forward, while growth opportunities remain in 2026, companies are balancing optimism with caution, prioritizing resilience and strategic positioning. This bulletin reviews major consumer trends, investment and M&A developments, and legal updates influencing the sector in 2025, with a forward-looking perspective into 2026.
Key contacts
刘依兰
中国区并购业务主管合伙人，上海代表处首席代表, Mainland China and Shanghai
刘倩
合伙人, 科伟史密夫斐尔, Mainland China and Shanghai
雷鹏
合伙人，科伟, Mainland China and Shanghai
张卫华
合伙人，科伟, Mainland China and Beijing
郑晓夏
Senior Associate, Mainland China and Shanghai
Gillian Miao
Counsel, Kewei, Mainland China and Shanghai
Hazel Xu
Senior Associate, Kewei, Mainland China and Shanghai
Related insights
Herbert Smith Freehills is licensed to operate as a foreign law firm in China by the Ministry of Justice. Under Ministry of Justice regulations, foreign law firms in China are permitted, amongst other things, to provide consultancy services on non-Chinese law and on international conventions and practices, and to provide information on the impact of the Chinese legal environment. Under the same regulations, foreign law firms in China are not permitted to conduct Chinese legal affairs, including rendering legal opinions upon Chinese law. The contents of this publication do not constitute an opinion upon Chinese law. If you require Chinese law advice we are able to engage our Joint Operation partner Shanghai Kewei Law Firm on your behalf.
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP and its affiliated and subsidiary businesses and firms, Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer (US) LLP and its affiliate, and Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, an Australian Partnership, are separate member firms of the international legal practice known as Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer. The firm's representative offices in China remain registered as Herbert Smith Freehills LLP Beijing Representative Office (UK) and Herbert Smith Freehills LLP Shanghai Representative Office (UK) with the PRC Ministry of Justice. The firm is in the process of updating its name in China which is pending regulatory approval.
Legal Notice
The contents of this publication are for reference purposes only and may not be current as at the date of accessing this publication. They do not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Specific legal advice about your specific circumstances should always be sought separately before taking any action based on this publication.
© Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer 2026
Stay in the know
Receive timely insights and briefings from HSF Kramer, tailored to keep you informed and ahead
Subscribe now