Chinese on Top of the Sharing Economy

Chinese consumers are embracing the sharing economy to a larger degree than the citizens of many Western countries, according to the Statista Global Consumer Survey. Consumers in the U.S. were still uncertain about renting items instead of buying them, with only between very few people willing to rent bikes, smartphones, furniture or sporting equipment. 15 percent in the U.S. could see themselves making such an arrangement concerning a car, while 69 percent said that renting instead of buying was not an option for them. The numbers look much the same or even lower in European and other English-speaking countries, according to the survey.

Only 43 percent of Chinese consumers were rejecting the idea of a (long term) rental outright. 18 percent would consider renting a bike long term and 24 percent would do the same with a car. While Latin American country Brazil was also open to the sharing economy, Chinese consumers were more consistent in their commitment across categories, including smartphones and furniture, but also PCs, laptops and household appliances.

Yet, Brazil was home to more people willing to rent a car long term, with 42 percent saying they would try it instead of car ownership.