Archive of Category: Foreign Relations

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Sourcing, tariffs, and China’s value

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Say you invented a new product that you wanted to sell in the USA.  You studied the market and you know it is going to be a winner.  You have money to invest in inventory and get started. Now, you need to bring your product to market as quickly as...

IP Protection in China: What’s Changed Since Our First Look

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China has been heavy in the media again, not only because of continued trade tensions with the U.S. but also because of its evolving role in innovation and IP protection. Six years ago, we shared some cautiously optimistic developments on China's progress in this area. Fast forward to 2025, and...

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...

Nightmarish Tales of China Sourcing: Time, Money, and Toy Dolls Gone Rogue

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Once upon a time, in a world where every product seemed to bear the tag “Made in China,” there existed a treasure trove of China-sourcing horror stories. These stories will make you cringe, shrink, and pity the companies involved. From recalls that threatened global giants to rogue toy dolls in...

China Sourcing Alternatives: Is it time to move?

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Given the current climate surrounding China, various factors have caused importers to ask if sourcing from China is still the right choice for their supply chain. Uncertainty due to tariffs/Trade war, rising labor costs and COVID-19 have sparked a lot of concerns. Is it time to search for China sourcing...

Buy Direct from China vs US

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American-made vs China-bought has been a hot topic as of late. With the recent political climate, the trade war, and tariffs, more and more importers are looking to move their supply chain management in China home. But is that really in their best interest? Should importers Buy direct from China...

The Return to China Pt 2: 8 Tips for a Great Sourcing Trip 

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In our last travel blog, The Return to China Pt 1, we covered how to carefully plan and prepare a trip to China for a factory visit or a trade fair. And, due to the complexities and challenges of such a grueling international trip, many companies are choosing not to...

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