For years, importers have watched tariffs as the main indicator of trade risk. Now, that may no longer be enough. The European Union is putting increasing pressure on China to address the bloc's rapidly expanding trade deficit. Brussels wants to see tangible progress by early October 2026. If negotiations fail
For years, the conversation around global manufacturing has often been framed as a simple question: Will Vietnam replace China? The reality is more complicated—and more interesting. Vietnam is not simply replacing China. Instead, it is increasingly becoming an extension and diversification layer of the China-centered Asian manufacturing ecosystem. As U.S.-China
China is one of the world's largest manufacturing and sourcing markets, but there is one mistake many international buyers make: They think China is one giant factory. It isn't. China's manufacturing industry is organized around specialized industrial clusters. Electronics are concentrated in places such as Shenzhen and Dongguan. Furniture and
The latest September 1–14 FAK rates provide another important signal for the Trans-Pacific shipping market: Freight rates are still moving upward. After a sharp correction in July, rates have recovered rapidly through August and are now reaching even higher levels in early September. The Numbers Tell the Story Looking at
President Donald Trump has repeatedly argued that more iPhones should be made in the United States. At first glance, the idea sounds straightforward: if tariffs make overseas manufacturing more expensive, companies such as Apple will have a stronger incentive to bring production back to America. But there is a fundamental
For years, Chinese manufacturers exporting to Europe have focused on product quality, pricing, certifications, customs clearance, and delivery times. Now, another question is becoming increasingly important: Can you prove how your products were made? Europe is tightening supply-chain compliance, and labor practices are moving closer to the center of trade
More and more products imported from China contain lithium batteries — from cordless tools and vacuum cleaners to power stations, electric bikes, toys, and portable electronics. One of the most common questions we receive is: “Can I ship a product with a lithium battery from China to the U.S. by
The Trans-Pacific ocean freight market is entering the second half of August with another round of rate increases. New FAK rates effective August 15–31, 2026 show that carriers continue to maintain their rate restoration strategy, with most major U.S. routes increasing by USD 300–400 per FEU compared with the previous
