Here are some good articles that I found over the past few months. 'Made in China': the smart revolution blueprint set to bring Beijing into the digital age After Germany's "Industry 4.0" strategy, China unveiled an equivalent document entitled "Made in China 2025". "The ambition is to turn China into a "strong" manufacturing nation within a decade, with the priority on digitalisation and modernisation of 10 sectors, including aerospace, railways, new-energy vehicles and new materials." … [Read more...]

As usual, I kept a list of interesting articles to share with my readers. Here is the list for April and May. Urgent Delivery Time Checklist Jacob Yount wrote a list of questions that will guide an importer desiring to avoid unnecessary delays. For example, what are the steps to follow until production can start, what components/processes will be handled by third parties, how to keep some pressure on timing, etc. 7 Ways to Prevent Quality Issues & Scams When Buying from … [Read more...]

Here are some interesting or useful articles that I found recently. NOTE: A FEW DAYS AGO I HIT THE "PUBLISH" BUTTON INSTEAD OF THE "SAVE" BUTTON SO THIS MESSAGE WAS POSTED TWICE. SORRY ABOUT THAT. Question your Quotes from China Jacob Yount gives excellent advice about the way to understand and respond to quotations from Chinese suppliers. Good read, especially for purchasers with limited experience in China. Restricted Substances: 5 Challenges when Buying from China Fredrik … [Read more...]

Here are some interesting or useful articles that I found recently. The New Chinese Factory This is NOT an article about the average Chinese manufacturer. It describes what one of the most sophisticated manufacturers does, and it should give us a taste of what is to come in the Chinese high-tech industry. (I found this article via Etienne Charlier from Procur'Asia.) Your Supplier Didn’t Sign Up For This…. Jacob Yount gives examples of the typical miscommunication that happens … [Read more...]

When we redesigned this website a few months ago, we wanted it to be very simple. We even removed the "resource" pages. But the problem with a blog is, the best articles get buried in the mass. So we gathered them in several topics that can be accessed on this page. Happy reading! … [Read more...]

Here are some interesting or useful articles that I found recently. Product Testing and Certification when Buying from China Fredrik Grönkvist wrote a very good guide for importers who are not familiar with their country's compliance requirements. This article includes: How to find what testing is applicable What determines the cost of testing What importers must do vs. what is of lower importance And he wrote three other in-depth articles and CE marking, REACH, and California … [Read more...]

Here are some interesting or useful articles that I found recently. China Due Diligence. The Most Basic Things To Do. Dan Harris explains what can be checked quickly and inexpensively before you make a deal with a Chinese company. A lot of information can be gathered simply by reading the business license. Buying Product Packaging from China: A Complete Guide Fredrik Grönkvist gives sound advice about packaging: when to source your own packaging supplier, what challenges arise for … [Read more...]

Here are some interesting or useful articles that I found recently. The flow of things 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." Silk Road Revival Watch this nice infographic about a concept pushed by the Chinese central government, which has set aside 10 billion … [Read more...]

Here are some interesting or useful articles that I found recently. Walmart's 'Made in USA' push exposes strains of manufacturing rebirth In January 2013, Walmart promised to favor US-made products. But those companies trying to "reshore" production face many obstacles. Rebuilding manufacturing capabilities and a network of component suppliers will take many years. Certain parts still need to be imported from China (e.g. small motors, plastic injection molding equipment, computerized … [Read more...]