Archive of Author: Laura Dow
May 21, 2025
Imagine this: Years ago, an importer of hunting apparel decided to source a jacket from China using professional China sourcing services. The goal? A durable outerwear piece with a faux leather shoulder patch. But when the samples arrived, the sourcing team had not only beaten the target price—they had used...
April 8, 2025
As global supply chains evolve, many companies are looking to reduce their reliance on China. Whether driven by tariffs, geopolitical tensions, or the need for diversification, one question looms: How can you shift production without sacrificing cost efficiency, stability, or quality? The good news? With the right strategy and effective...
April 1, 2025
For decades, China has been the cornerstone of global manufacturing. Its vast supplier networks, skilled workforce, and unparalleled infrastructure made it the obvious choice for companies seeking cost-effective production. Businesses have long relied on China sourcing services to streamline procurement and production. But as global dynamics shift, so do sourcing...
January 9, 2025
With global inflation and tariffs affecting nearly the entire world, and particularly with volatile logistics and freight costs, more and more people are asking important questions about offshoring and supply chain management in China: - Does it still make sense to offshore? - Is it worth it? - What factors...
November 25, 2024
With President-elect Donald Trump proposing across-the-board tariffs of 10% on all imports and 60% on Chinese imports, U.S. businesses are bracing for significant changes in their sourcing and supply chains. These tariffs aim to boost domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on China. However, historical evidence and expert analyses suggest such...
October 31, 2024
The de minimis loophole has been mentioned frequently in the media lately, and the Biden administration is about to make changes to it. This is an interesting topic. Do you know exactly what it means? In this article, I’ll outline what the terms mean, the origins of this loophole, and...
March 26, 2024
How you establish the terms for a working relationship with a factory, especially in the context of China direct buying, can really set the tone for the remainder of the production process. The Request For Quotation (RFQ) is thus a crucial step in your China sourcing program to ensure the...
March 8, 2024
As a China sourcing service provider, one of the questions I am asked most often is how to protect Intellectual Property (IP) when manufacturing goods in China. This scrutiny is justified: nobody wants their idea stolen by their manufacturer. Since China is the “supplier of the world,” it receives extra...