Archive of Author: Laura Dow

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Leaving China? Here’s How to Maintain Your Competitive Edge

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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...

Vietnam: Expanding Beyond China For Sourcing Needs

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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...

Offshoring or Local Manufacturing: Key Factors to Consider

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With global inflation affecting the entire world, and particularly with logistics and freight costs at unprecedented highs, 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 should...

Worried About Trump Tariffs? So Are Your Competitors

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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...

Understanding the De Minimis Loophole: Who Benefits, Who Loses

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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...

How to Get an Accurate Quote from Chinese Suppliers

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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...

7 Steps to Protect Your IP

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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...

China Sourcing Services: The 5 steps to sourcing success – Part 3

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This week’s blog is the final part of a three-part series on CPG’s China Sourcing Services, which provides you, the importer, with an expert sourcing team in China. As discussed, implementing the China Sourcing Solution comprises the following five steps:    Step 1: Understanding the Vision Step 2: Getting Your China...

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