Here are some interesting or useful articles that I found recently.
This article exposes China’s paradox when it comes to logistics: infrastructures are often excellent, but shipping products within China is particularly expensive. For example, “sending goods from Shanghai to Beijing can cost more than sending them to America.”
Watch this nice infographic about a concept pushed by the Chinese central government, which has set aside 10 billion RMB to build the corresponding infrastructure (for example, a port in Malaysia).
Beijing is starting to plan for a new route from China to Europe. It will be shorter, available only during the summer and will go through the Arctic Ocean.
Industrial robots are spreading in more and more sectors, and are fast becoming more affordable to many factories. In addition, China’s 12th Five-Year Plan is encouraging the growth of domestic robot manufacturers. The risk is actually over-investment in robot factories, as was the case recently with solar panels!
Timberland Meets Two CSR Goals Ahead of Schedule
Most consumer brands are afraid of potential PR disasters and focus their energy on auditing factories and ensuring the risk of child labor and factory fires is as low as possible. But other brands are more proactive and set themselves ambitious goals. Timberland is one of these.
59 China suppliers fail safety rules – Samsung
Meanwhile, companies like Samsung and Apple are still pushing their suppliers to improve on basic criteria such as the use of personal protective equipment.
Factory safety is improving in Bangladesh—but it still takes three months to get a new fire door
When it comes to dangerous working environments, Bangladesh beats China hands down. And, despite all the pressure to reduce the risk and the impact of fires, change is very slow.
In China food testing, safety inspectors are often one step behind
After yet another scandal in China’s food supply chain, journalists wonder how it could happen. And they point fingers to the auditing process. I partially agree — unannounced audits are relatively common in the food business, but it seems like Yum Brands and Mc Donald’s don’t use them sufficiently. The biggest issue, though, is certainly the low level of the factories they work with, as well as the price pressure they exert on suppliers.
The RMB is slowly becoming a major currency in international trade and challenging the US dollar. In an HSBC survey, 22% of respondents said they already settle business with RMB!
Costs when importing from China – The Ultimate Guide
Good overview of the costs involved in purchasing products in China. Fredrik from ChinaImportal hasn’t forgotten anything important! Great read for buyers who are new to China.
Back in November, a McDonald’s in Beijing gave me one of the worst cases of food poisoning I’ve ever had. I’ve had some pretty dubious street meat in backward towns in rural parts of China and never had a problem. Tells you something is terribly wrong with McDonald’s supply chain in China.
Well, I would eat at McDonald’s every day if my only alternative were street vendors! See http://www.thenanfang.com/blog/newspaper-blows-lid-off-fake-lamb-skewer-industry-in-china.