China stops Labubu, Molly doll smugglers as prices soar, fights reported overseas
Driven by high-profile celebrities and social media, consumer demand for the toys has spiked – posing problems at some Chinese airports
Chinese customs authorities have repeatedly stopped suspected smugglers of Pop Mart toys, including its Labubu and Molly series, as prices for the dolls soar amid a global expansion for the Beijing-based retailer.
Customs agents have intercepted undeclared toys multiple times from passengers “allegedly seeking to profit from resales”, China Daily reported.
In one case, 318 toys were confiscated from three travellers at Changsha Huanghua International Airport in Hunan province, according to the state-run news outlet. In another case, it reported that a passenger at Hefei Xinqiao International Airport in Anhui province was caught with 94 toys, all intended for resale.
Travellers are reportedly buying the toys overseas and bringing them back into China, according to media reports and analysts.
“To put it simply, the high price is both about hype and the effect of international popularity,” said Peng Peng, executive chairman of the Guangdong Society of Reform think tank.
“Chinese consumers and businesspeople are interested, more or less,” he added. “Business opportunities that can promote consumption cannot be missed.”