Chinese social media giant TikTok is preparing to enter Japan’s online shopping market within the next few months.
Sources familiar with the matter confirmed that TikTok is set to recruit sellers for its e-commerce arm, TikTok Shop, in Japan. This move marks a significant step in the company’s global expansion efforts. TikTok Shop, which allows users to sell a variety of products, including sneakers and cosmetics, via livestreams, has become popular for offering discounted items.
While TikTok did not immediately respond to Reuters’ request for comment, the company is actively broadening its presence beyond the United States, where it is still awaiting approval for a deal that will determine its future. Earlier this year, TikTok Shop was launched in France, Germany, and Italy, further extending its reach into Europe.
The company’s expansion comes at a time when TikTok’s future in the U.S. remains uncertain. Last week, former President Donald Trump indicated that negotiations over the platform’s fate could be delayed, suggesting a potential resolution to the ongoing trade tensions between the U.S. and China. This announcement followed the extension of a deadline earlier in April for TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to divest U.S. assets, as mandated by a 2024 law.
Despite the challenges in the U.S., TikTok continues to grow globally, capitalizing on its popularity and e-commerce model to tap into new markets. The app is used by nearly half of all Americans, making the company’s operations in the U.S. crucial for its continued success.
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