Based on all the articles I have read about the current geopolitical situation, I am not optimistic about the affect of the US-China trade war on American importers. Dan Harris, who wrote "the US-China Cold War start now," announced that a "mega-storm" might be coming, and he may be right. Now, if things turn out as bad as predicted, and if tariffs apply on more goods imported from China to the US -- and at higher rates -- what does it mean for US importers? … [Read more...]
How China Is Losing Competitiveness… On Paper
Three years ago, in Comparing Wages Across Asia to Make Sourcing Decisions, I showcased 2 analyses large companies tend to do before they decide on their sourcing strategy. These data are key measures of the competitiveness of producing countries. At the time, I explained: Naturally, most companies that want to compare Asian countries tend to do so on the basis of easy-to-find numbers: minimum wage levels. The conclusion is usually “China is not competitive; the future is in Vietnam, … [Read more...]