Viral dance challenge lifted Chinese ibuprofen maker’s shares – now they are languishing

South China Morning PostCenter-RightEN 1 min read 100% complete by Julie ZhangFebruary 22, 2026 at 07:00 AM

AI Summary

short article 1 min

In late 2022, Shandong Xinhua Pharmaceutical, a leading Chinese ibuprofen maker, experienced a surge in shares due to a viral dance challenge on Douyin inspired by its product packaging. The challenge coincided with China's shift away from its "zero-Covid" policy. However, the company's profits have since declined, with net profit falling 26% year-on-year in the first three quarters of 2025. This downturn follows a 5.3% profit decrease in 2024. Shandong Xinhua attributes the profit decline to price cuts implemented to maintain market share amidst oversupply and weakening demand for fever and pain medications. The company's experience reflects a broader trend affecting drug manufacturers in China.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Douyin 60% China 70% Covid-19 pandemic 70% Shandong Xinhua Pharmaceutical ×590%

Keywords

ibuprofen 100% shandong xinhua pharmaceutical 90% profit decline 80% social media 70% pharmaceuticals 70% oversupply 70% weakening demand 70% market share 60% dance challenge 60% covid-19 pandemic 50%

Sentiment Analysis

Negative

Score: -0.30

Source Transparency

Source

South China Morning Post

Political Lean

Center-Right (0.50)

Far LeftCenterFar Right

Classification Confidence

90%

Geographic Perspective

China

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis. The political bias score ranges from -1 (far left) to +1 (far right).

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ibuprofen shandong xinhua pharmaceutical profit decline social media pharmaceuticals oversupply weakening demand market share dance challenge covid-19 pandemic

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