After 1929 the world-wide economic recession broke out, and many Chinese-run businesses were shut down or bankrupt. Tan also closed down most of his enterprises in 1935, formally ending his business career.
一九二九年世界經濟大恐慌爆發後，華商關的關、倒的倒，陳嘉庚也於一九三五年將大部分事業清算結束，正式「收盤」。