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Sunday, Dec 22, 2024
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‘We’re just earning a living’: parallel trading returns to Hong Kong border town
Post observes return of such activities outside Sheung Shui MTR station, with individuals dispersing when police arrive only to regroup after officers leave.
Shenzhen resident Charlene Yang runs an online retail business, but also earns extra cash on the side by being a parallel trader – crossing the border into Hong Kong and hauling home a stash of goods, mainly cosmetics, to be sold tax-free for profit.
The 30-year-old live streamer on Douyin, one of the most popular social platforms in mainland China, spent about HK$20,000 (US$2,550) on perfume and luxury skincare items, including La Mer moisturiser and an Aesop body cleanser, at a pharmacy in Hong Kong’s Sheung Shui on her latest trip.
“These items are popular among my customers whenever I host live shows on Douyin. Now that the Hong Kong-mainland border has reopened, I can just simply come to Sheung Shui and restock my inventory,” Yang said.
The 30-year-old live streamer on Douyin, one of the most popular social platforms in mainland China, spent about HK$20,000 (US$2,550) on perfume and luxury skincare items, including La Mer moisturiser and an Aesop body cleanser, at a pharmacy in Hong Kong’s Sheung Shui on her latest trip.
“These items are popular among my customers whenever I host live shows on Douyin. Now that the Hong Kong-mainland border has reopened, I can just simply come to Sheung Shui and restock my inventory,” Yang said.
