Hemmed in: can Shein escape its Chinese roots?

TikTok’s saga is just the latest in the long line of challenges facing Chinese companies trying to break into global markets. This week, we look at Shein, another Chinese multinational, which now accounts for half of fast-fashion sales in America. But its Chinese origins have raised questions about data security and supply-chain ethics. Shein has moved its headquarters to Singapore and avoids selling in China. Yet its reliance on Chinese factories and data-driven logistics continues to cause concern in America. Alice Su, The Economist’s senior China correspondent, and Don Weinland, our China business and finance editor, explore Shein’s rise, its rapid production model, and the hurdles Chinese firms face abroad. Can Shein shake its Chinese roots? Transcripts of our podcasts are available via economist.com/podcasts. Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.