In recent times it's very common to see stories about American companies scrambling to reshore manufacturing and leave China and the data seems to support this trend of reshoring or finding other locations. However, I suspect the American companies that moved to China for the wrong reasons originally are mainly the ones who are now reshoring back in the US. Is this the case, though? Let's explore this... … [Read more...]
Buyers of Masks and other PPE: Are You Exposed to Serious Liability?
This is an important warning to all companies that improvised themselves as importers of personal protective equipment during the coronavirus pandemic. Read this before you get yourself involved in a situation that might cause you serious trouble for years to come. … [Read more...]
Requirements To Import PPE: You Need To Go Beyond Certificates
There is a serious emergency right now to procure and import PPE. I know. Manufacturers are overloaded with requests from buyers, and they can't (won't) spend much time responding to requests. I know! Nearly all the importers I talked to were concerned about the manufacturers' formal authorization to sell PPE and medical gear on their market. But very few wanted to go deeper than that. However, as you buy products that are actually intended to save lives, should you throw all proper due … [Read more...]
Verifying Certificates for Masks, Gloves, and Other PPE from China
These days, it seems everybody has jumped on the same 'PPE' bandwagon. In China, hundreds (maybe thousands) of manufacturers have seized this opportunity. Many of them have zero experience in the medical field, or in any regulated industry for that matter. And, all over the world, buyers are looking for personal protective equipment (PPE) and related medical products. Again, a minority of them have a full understanding of the implications of what they are getting into. The … [Read more...]
9 Reasons Why You Can’t Buy Face Masks with Low Risk in China
The Western world is scrambling to buy face masks and other PPE materials. And all the conditions are met for highly expensive mistakes. If I could ring the proverbial alarm bell, this article is my way to do that. … [Read more...]
Advice for Buying Face Masks in China without Losing your Shirt
With the COVID 19 pandemic hitting more countries, and more people realizing how serious the situation is, it seems tens of thousands of people started looking for face masks and other personal protection products. And what I see is a lot of people sending money, receiving substandard products, or not receiving anything at all. I wrote this article as a warning about your risks. And also to improve your odds of getting what you want, if you are determined to pursue your project. … [Read more...]
How You Can Prepare for the ‘After Coronavirus Peak’ in the West
The COVID-19 pandemic is now clearly impacting the entire world, with heavy and unpredictable consequences. It is no longer just a Chinese issue. The problem has been 'exported'. But let's look at China first. The situation is changing 180 degrees these days! … [Read more...]
COVID-19: Have a Resilient Supply Chain, Stop JIT, Never Single-Source? Really?
I am getting tired of reading "expert commentaries" about the impact of the Covid-19 epidemic on supply chains. They all seem to say the same thing, and (in my mind) they tend to overlook certain facts. Let's look at 4 commonly held truths that I disagree with. … [Read more...]
Unable To Go To Your China Factory Because Of Coronavirus?
The COVID-19 virus is spreading rapidly throughout the world. Wikipedia keeps count of it, country by country. This website show interesting maps that are kept up to date. Some countries are under-reporting their toll (Iran), while others are going over the top (Nth Korea). It is all happening right before our eyes! What does it mean for importers of Made-in-China goods who can't, or won't, visit China right now? Read on to explore its effects and a helpful list of actions you can take to … [Read more...]
COVID-19: What Are The 7 Major Risks for Importers of China Goods?
As an importer, you are probably wondering how the COVID-19 epidemic in China is going to impact your business. Beijing says things are rapidly improving and hints that the situation will nearly be back to normal on the coasts by the end of February. They are still planning to hold the Canton fair. Let's all hope they are right. Let's hope there is no relapse (the epidemic starting again in certain cities) in the coming months. The situation is still far from clear. In the meantime, … [Read more...]