Global Sources

Labor shortage stalls China export growth

The persistent labor shortage has nearly driven growth in China's export industries to a halt. More than half of the 477 respondents to a Global Sources survey said their overseas revenue did not increase during the past year, due mainly to the shortage. ... Read >

Power shortage lengthens lead times in China

Delivery can now take as long as four months as makers have to schedule production around power cuts. Export prices are likely to increase in H2 2011 as well. Dubbed as China's worst electricity shortage since 2004, this year's deficit and subsequent r... Read >

Stable leather prices in China

Barring unforeseen circumstances, genuine and synthetic leather processors, and finished goods makers have no plans to raise prices in the months ahead. After climbing 10 percent in October 2010, leather costs in China stabilized in March 2011. The ris... Read >

High rubber prices through 2011

Short supply has pulled up natural rubber costs to an all-time high in China. Quotes are expected to continue increasing this year, albeit at a slower rate. The cost of natural rubber has soared substantially in recent months. The rise is so steep that... Read >

China projects strong Q2 exports

Q1 overseas sales rose nearly one-third. Exports are projected to continue increasing through the next quarter, with the canned food industry forecast to have one of the highest growth rates. This is starting out to be a good year for China's export ma... Read >

Small steps toward 'green' production

The majority of China's export manufacturers cannot afford the investment required to run a fully sustainable production facility. But some are taking baby steps and modifying their equipment to decrease energy consumption. The high cost of investment ... Read >

Middle East unrest worries makers, despite minimal impact

Tension in the Middle East is making China suppliers wary about accepting orders from the area. While exports have not been affected significantly, cautious makers are insuring goods against cancellations and delays. At the height of the financial down... Read >

China makers capitalize on royal wedding

Suppliers are staying abreast of international events, keeping close tabs on products they can replicate and cash in on. When Prince William of Wales announced his engagement to Kate Middleton in mid-November 2010, halfway around the globe, China maker... Read >

Improving efficiency priority in China

China makers are investing in various measures to boost productivity. This step aims to manage costs better and address labor shortage problems. With manufacturing costs not likely to stabilize soon, improving production efficiency is a top priority fo... Read >

EU still top market for solar

China's shipments of solar power-related products to the EU have been strong despite reduced subsidies. Although makers are exploring alternative destinations, the EU remains the key export market. Despite subsidy cuts, China PV manufacturers will cont... Read >

High China costs encourage overseas expansion

Suppliers have been moving some production to countries where labor and utility expenses are lower. Now, their long-term customers are buying directly from these offshore plants. The rising cost of manufacturing has encouraged some China makers to buil... Read >

Soft cotton prices only temporary

China cotton prices have been falling of late, but analysts are expecting supply-demand factors will drive quotes upward by 2H11. The earthquake that struck Japan may have cooled cotton spot and future prices in international and China markets, but quo... Read >

Quake shakes up China's components supply

Japan's destructive earthquake has forced many component suppliers to close their factories. Several China makers are now unable to source chipsets, and the majority are dealing with soaring costs. China's consumer electronics companies are gearing up ... Read >

China makers start de-emphasizing OEM

Contract manufacturing remains China's export backbone, but an increasing number of suppliers are now taking more serious steps toward an OBM shift. China's efforts to boost design capability and international brand building are gaining steam. Trans... Read >

Shipping costs defy Q1 2011 projections

Announcements of freight rate increases from major shippers led analysts to project stronger prices this quarter. But new players have been reluctant to follow suit. Container shipping prices were projected to increase 10 to 20 percent in Q1 2011. The ... Read >