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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...]

Here are some interesting or useful articles that I found recently. China's Young Men Act Out in Factories This BusinessWeek relates how different the new generation of Chinese workers is from the previous one. It also focuses on the effects of an increasingly male worker population. Plying Social Media, Chinese Workers Grow Bolder in Exerting Clout This New York Times article explains how the strikers at the Yue Yuen factory last month took advantage of WeChat for easier … [Read more...]

Here are some interesting or useful articles that I found recently. Thousands Strike at Nike, Adidas, Reebok Factory in Dongguan over Invalid Contracts A serious strike in a Taiwanese-owned factory, located in Dongguan city, is disrupting the supply chains of a few sports brands. This kind of strike was unthinkable 10 years ago, when migrant workers were looking hard for a job. But now they know they can find another employer easily, and they are more aware of their rights. This … [Read more...]

Here are some interesting or useful articles that I found recently. The End Of Cheap China. The Next China Will Be The Post-China 16. Maybe. Dan Harris compares two opposing analyses of where Chinese manufacturing is going: According to Statfor (a a geopolitical intelligence firm), low cost productions are moving to other low-labor-cost countries. According to Mr. Juliens from Booz & Company, China still has a large upside potential when it comes to manufacturing. Nike, other … [Read more...]

Here are some interesting or useful articles that I found recently. The dangers of miscommunication: 4 examples to learn from Global Sources asked several companies to give examples of mistakes they made/witnessed. Lessons to learn! 7 Mistakes on China Factory Visits That Make You Look Inexperienced Matt Slater, a lead auditor at SAI Global, list 7 common traps many buyer fall into. My favorite: assuming you are actually at the right factory. Color Confusion in China … [Read more...]

Here are some interesting or useful articles that I found recently. Rising Wages May Erode China's Low-Cost Manufacturing Advantage Economists predict an increase of Chinese wages by a bit over 10% this year. When adding the appreciating currency and the stricter pollution controls, other low-cost Asian countries become more attractive on paper. Why China’s Factories Will Automate In another grim article about the Chinese manufacturing sector, David Wolf reminds us of the underlying … [Read more...]

Here are some interesting or useful articles that I found recently. How I find factories I always find it refreshing when an experienced buyer describes how he works, and what tools he uses. Peter Keller, an American buyer who has imported nearly 1,000 containers since 2005, lays out his sourcing techniques -- in particular his 4 "secret weapons" to source new suppliers, how he vets factories, and how he gets them interested in working with him. Using a Grid Analysis for Supplier … [Read more...]

Here are some interesting or useful articles that I found recently. In China, the Dangers of Due Diligence Checking Chinese suppliers or partners carefully before starting a business relationship is extremely important. Yet China is making it pretty clear that background checks on companies or individuals (without their consent) are not welcome. They are, in many cases, illegal! Fast and Flawed Inspections of Factories Abroad Another interesting article from the New York Times, … [Read more...]