by JIANG Yiman
Chinese mainland firms are growing more confident about their revenue outlook as they adapt to a "new normal" in global trade, even as policy and tariff risks persist, HSBC said in a new survey.
The poll found 72% of mainland respondents now have a clearer view of how shifting trade conditions affect their business, up from six months ago and above the 66% global average. About 54% expect revenue to rise over the next two years.
Concerns about tariff-related disruptions have eased. The share of firms expecting revenue to fall more than 25% in the next two years dropped to 8%, from 24% previously.
Firms are also redirecting expansion plans toward emerging markets, with 28% looking to boost their presence in Southeast Asia, 24% in Northeast Asia and 23% in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia was the top single target.
Eric Yuan, Country Head of Global Trade Solutions, China at HSBC, said that firms in sectors such as new energy, consumer goods and healthcare are using their growing capabilities to enter more overseas markets and build more resilient global footprints.
The findings follow a June HSBC Group survey showing China remained the top market where global firms planned to deepen trade and manufacturing ties. An April HSBC poll of institutional investors also showed improving sentiment, with China picked most often as the fastest-growing emerging market in the year ahead.
