China

Chinese Fashion Giant Shein Returns to India After 2020 Ban

FEB 3 2025·Updated FEB 5 2025

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Above: The Shein logo is displayed on a mobile phone screen. Image credit: Idrees Abbas/Contributor/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

The Facts

Chinese fast-fashion giant Shein has re-entered the Indian market through a partnership with Reliance Retail, nearly five years after it was banned alongside several PRC apps — including TikTok — due to security concerns.
Reuters
Firstpost
Owned by billionaire Mukesh Ambani, Reliance launched the Shein India Fast Fashion app on Saturday. The app will initially serve Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru and offer products — designed and manufactured within India by local manufacturers — starting at ₹199 ($2.30).
The Times of India
The Indian Express
Firstpost
The licensing agreement stipulates that Reliance will maintain complete control over Shein's operations and data and store customer information locally, while Shein will be a technology partner and receive licensing fees without equity investment.
The Express Tribune
Analytics India Magazine
Just Style
This partnership represents a departure from Reliance's traditional strategy of incorporating international brands into its Ajio platform, as Shein gets its dedicated app to compete with rivals like Walmart-owned Myntra.
Reuters
The Express Tribune
Shein's return comes as the company prepares for a potential London stock market listing in 2025, having abandoned US listing plans. It's reportedly facing increased regulatory scrutiny in Europe under the Digital Services Act.
The Times of India
After shifting its headquarters from China to Singapore, Shein reported profits of more than $2B in 2023, and its gross merchandise value could reach $80B by 2025. Meanwhile, the fast-fashion segment in India is projected to exceed $50B by 2031.
India Retailing

Sources Split

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RIGHT

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The Spin

Narrative A

The partnership creates a win-win situation by combining Shein's global fashion expertise with Reliance's local manufacturing capabilities. It could potentially boost India's textile exports while offering consumers affordable, trendy fashion options.

Bloomberg.com

BBC News

Global Times

Narrative B

Shein's re-entry raises concerns about market disruption and intensified price competition, potentially threatening smaller Indian fashion brands and retailers who might struggle to match Shein's scale and pricing strategy.

Analytics India Magazine

India Retailing