Big rise in value of Chinese brands on global list

The value of Chinese brands featured in the 2026 top 100 most valuable global brands has increased by 32% annually, far exceeding the global average growth rate, according to a report by Kantar released Thursday. The consulting firm noted Chinese brands are evolving beyond scale expansion, emphasizing capability enhancement and agility in responding to market trends. Kantar highlighted that Chinese brands excel in quick decision-making and rapid execution during early stages of trends, converting insights into value through continuous iteration. This adaptability is becoming essential in an unpredictable global market. For example, Alibaba, ranked 19th, stabilized its brand value through business restructuring and user experience upgrades, while Haier, at 53rd, integrated AI across operations to boost competitiveness in the Internet of Things sector. Zhang Lin, executive managing director of Kantar China, stated that Chinese brands are setting new benchmarks for global growth through sharper judgment and decisive action during globalization. The report also emphasized that artificial intelligence is reshaping global brand value systems, with brands unable to adapt to AI-driven changes losing their competitive edge. Kantar’s findings suggest that AI adoption is accelerating brand transformation, forcing companies to innovate or risk obsolescence. The report underscores China’s brands as a model for leveraging technology and agility to sustain growth in an evolving market landscape.