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Laurel Delaney

Guide to Manufacturing in China

Up your global competitiveness to customers worldwide

By Laurel Delaney, President and Founder, GlobeTrade.com

Manufacturing in China offers considerable cost savings, particularly for products that have a high labor, low-tech component or need to be manufactured in large amounts at low cost. Plus, China itself is a huge and growing consumer market.

Manufacture in China and you can:

  1. Serve Chinese customers – 1.3 billion in all – more efficiently.
  2. Streamline processes to speed production and delivery.
  3. Offer lower pricing to customers worldwide.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done


Identify, research and connect with partners directly

Online directories of manufacturers are quick ways to spot your partner possibilities. Choose two or three, then check them out with the U.S. Commercial Service, the government agency that assists American companies doing business with China.
I recommend: Search Alibaba, GlobalSources or a specialist site for manufacturers and suppliers in Taiwan and China, B2B Manufactures. The U.S. Commercial Service can give you information on the suppliers' reputations and help you connect with them.

Hire a middleman to run your China operation

If you cannot be on the ground in China, hire a firm who can. Many help navigate the complexities of the Chinese business maze.
I recommend: Search a directory of China business consultants.

Set up your shipping

Determine warehousing needs, international transportation, export documentation and payment methods before you set up manufacturing.
I recommend: A plethora of companies claim expertise in transportation, freight forwarding and storage services, but the shipping and warehousing directory from the U.S. Commercial Service is a good starting point. For setting up payment with your supplier, look into PNC Financial Services Group.

Overcome the language barrier

Unless you're fluent in Chinese, you're sure to need some translation help.
I recommend: The U.S. Commercial Service's China Help Line will put you on the line with a translator to help with every aspect of setting up shop in China.

Cover your intellectual property protection bases

Protect your product, service and business while operating in China.
I recommend: The U.S. Commercial Service recommends these patent and trademark law firms in China.

Formulate a measurable quality control system.

The Chinese government runs a program to check the skills of Chinese workers.
I recommend: Connect with China's Skill Assessment System.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

  • Even if you start off using a consulting firm to outsource your manufacturing to China, train your internal staff to run your China operations. It's an investment in the future well worth making.

The official source of Manufacturing in China is
the International Trade Promotion in Asia page at Business.com

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Recommended Solution Providers

TradeKey: Business to Business Marketplace
Manufacture directory and import/export resource.

GT Internet Information: Manufacturers Directory
The most comprehensive Manufacturers Directory from Taiwan & China.

Outsourcing Network: Offshore Manufacturers in China
Provider of manufacturing outsourcing and global sourcing to manufacturers in China.

Manufacturing Sourcing: Custom China Factory-Direct Marketing
Offers professional, low-cost manufacturing sourcing to everyone from small businesses needing hundreds of products.

AGT Industries: Overseas Manufacturing
Partner for high-quality, low-cost overseas manufacturing.

Emerging Technology: China Manufacturing
Offering turn-key manufacturing services.

Hong Kong Harvest Victory: Factory in China
Manufacturer of a wide variety of bags, backpacks, luggage, and cosmetic bags.

Hong Kong Trade Developtment Council: Powers Business Success
Business database and resources for businesses in Hong Kong.

Intertrade: Utlimate Sourcing Guide in China
Largest databank of Chinese manufacturers, suppliers and importers exporters.

Focus Technology: Connecting Buyers with China Suppliers
Directory of Chinese products, manufacturers, exporters and suppliers.

China Manufacture Directory: Trade Directory
Trade Directory of China manufacturers, factories, traders, offering hot products in most industries.

Alibaba: Chinese Manufacturers
Directory of Chinese manufacturers searchable by products or categories.

Best Sites to Learn More

Outsourcing Institute: FAQ PDF File
FAQs for outsourcing manufacturing in China.

Runckel & Associates: Business in Asia
Information on business, investment, sourcing, and manufacturing in China.

Alibaba: Tradeshows
Search tradeshows to find manufacturers in China.

Best Blogs and Forums

Topix: Manufacturing Forums
User stories and forum posts about Manufacturing.

Outsourcing: Directory Forums
Forums on outsourcing discussions, looking for projects, and events and other announcements.

Zhong Hua Rising: Chinese Business Blog
Covering the emergence of China as a business power.

Harris & Moure: China Law Blog
A blog about Chinese law and the legal issues of business.

China Economic Review: Editors Blog
Running commentary on China business news from the editorial staff.



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