For decades, the consensus was clear: free trade was the engine of global prosperity. Ronald Reagan famously championed it, and most economists still agree that tariffs act as a drag on the American economy. So, when the rules changed in 2016 and tariffs disrupted global trade, many were hoping that...
There is a photograph that remains etched in our minds. In it, Xi Jinping and Donald Trump are leaning toward one another, captured in a moment of apparent intimacy. They are smiling, their body language suggests a shared confidence, a moment of genuine human connection amidst the gilded backdrop of...
The complexity of purchasing in China requires more than just a contact list; it requires an operational partner. While China remains the "World’s Factory," the hurdle for most buyers isn't finding a supplier; it's finding a reliable one that offers transparency and long-term stability. For businesses aiming for cost-effectiveness, professional...
Companies looking to buy direct from China often aim to reduce costs, improve margins, and gain better supplier control. In international trade, there is an ancient piece of wisdom often cited by the most successful supply chain directors: “未雨绸缪” (Wèi yǔ chóu móu) — "Repair the roof before it rains." ...
If you are sourcing products from China, the Alibaba ecosystem is almost impossible to avoid. However, many buyers unknowingly conflate very different platforms under the “Alibaba” name, leading to sourcing mistakes, misaligned expectations, and unnecessary risk. Alibaba Group operates dozens of platforms, but only two are directly relevant to international...
When tariff headlines fade, many importers breathe a sigh of relief and move on, but that reaction is increasingly expensive for those handling China sourcing services. Recent tariff threats tied to U.S.–Greenland negotiations offer a useful case study, not because of whether the tariffs ultimately happened (or will happen), but...
There are many delays that can occur when sourcing from China, especially when companies buy direct from China, but most can be avoided or minimized with the right preparation. Below are a few tips that can reduce the risk of delay and mitigate its damage when it occurs: Place orders...
Experienced importers with deep knowledge of China and its culture are able to realize savings and increase their revenue. But not all importers have that background. We previously covered this topic in the blog series “Are You Leaving Money on the Table?” In that blog, we explored what happens when...