Chinese cross-border merchants are preparing for a potential TikTok ban in the US by exploring other e-commerce platforms and looking into alternative international markets.

Qian Liu, who runs 12 stores on TikTok aimed at US customers, has started reducing inventory and postpone new purchases as she waits for the US Supreme Court decision on TikTok’s future.

Qian had initially planned to expand her US business by leasing office space and hiring local employees. However, she has paused these plans due to uncertainties.

She is now considering alternative platforms, such as Amazon and Shein, and looking into markets such as Spain and Mexico.