Shanghai's rollout of China's new digital product subsidy plan has ignited a surge in consumer demand, drawing positive market responses from retail stores, e-commerce platforms, and logistics firms across the city.
Since January 20, China has initiated subsidies for the trade-in of electronic products, expanding its consumer goods trade-in program to enhance consumption. This initiative offers consumers up to 500 yuan (almost 70 U.S. dollars) off the purchase of digital products.
Chen Chen, head of digital products at a home appliance store in Shanghai's Yanpu District said that store traffic has noticeably increased since the subsidy plan was rolled out.
"Since the national subsidy program started on Jan 20, our mobile phone sales have grown very significantly over the past month, with basically a year-on-year growth of 108 percent. The growth of computer products sales is probably even greater, about 280 percent from a year ago," explained Chen. The government's subsidy plan has fueled a surge in online sales of digital products, prompting e-commerce platforms and logistics companies to streamline their services.
"There are dedicated staff who deliver orders that enjoy subsidy support to customers. During the delivery process, the deliveryman can complete the order in one go by following the operation instructions on our mobile app," said Zhao Yadong, an operations manager at SF Express.
In late January, Shanghai announced detailed subsidy plans to encourage the renewal of home appliances and furnishings.
"This year, we have actively expanded the coverage. We have included four types of products such as water purifiers in the national home appliance subsidy program and included digital products like mobile phones in the national trade-in subsidy program. In addition, in accordance with the national policies on trade-ins for home decoration and other items, we have also included seven types of products in the local subsidy program," said Liu Min, deputy director of the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce.
Shanghai's appliance sales soar as trade-in program drives demand
Leaders of seven European countries on Tuesday reaffirmed that Greenland "belongs to its people," stressing that issues concerning Denmark and Greenland must be decided solely by Denmark and Greenland, according to a joint statement.
The statement, released by Denmark's Prime Minister's Office, was signed by Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
"Greenland belongs to its people. It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland," the statement said.
The leaders underscored that Arctic security remains a key priority for Europe and is critical for international and transatlantic security. They noted that NATO has made clear the Arctic region is a priority and that European allies are increasing their presence there.
The statement noted that the Kingdom of Denmark, including Greenland, is part of NATO, and said security in the Arctic must be achieved collectively with NATO allies, including the United States, by upholding the principles of the UN Charter, including sovereignty, territorial integrity and the inviolability of borders.
Calling the United States an "essential partner," the leaders also referred to the 1951 defence agreement between Denmark and the United States.
The Prime Minister of Greenland Jens-Frederik Nielsen said on Tuesday that Greenland is open to dialogue and discussions with the U.S., but "they must take place through the proper channels and in respect of international law."
The PM also urged respect from the U.S. side, saying "Our country is not an object in great power rhetoric." Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, who was appointed by President Donald Trump last month as the U.S. special envoy to Greenland, said that Trump "supports an independent Greenland with economic ties and trade opportunities for the United States," Reuters reported.
Trump said in a telephone interview on Sunday with The Atlantic that the United States "absolutely" needs Greenland. He also discussed the U.S. intervention in Venezuela.
Since taking office in January 2025, Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in gaining control of Greenland, saying that he would not rule out using "military or economic coercion" to achieve that goal.
European leaders reaffirm Greenland sovereignty, stress Arctic security
European leaders reaffirm Greenland sovereignty, stress Arctic security
