At the beginning of March, during the annual sessions of the National People's Congress and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, a joint report titled *"China Manufacturing Competitiveness Research 2007–2008"*, conducted by Booz Allen Hamilton and the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai, highlighted a significant shift in China’s manufacturing role. The report emphasized that China's traditional position as a low-cost, export-driven production hub is gradually losing its dominance. Among the 66 foreign-invested companies surveyed, over half expressed concerns that China is no longer holding a competitive edge compared to other low-cost countries like Vietnam and India. Hornbey, chairman of the Shanghai Manufacturing Industry Committee at the American Chamber of Commerce, remarked, "The era of Chinese manufacturing is coming to an end. You can't just see it as a simple workshop anymore."
The research aimed to explore how U.S. manufacturers could maintain their competitiveness in China amid rising costs and growing competition. Dr. Xie Zuyi, President of Booz Allen Greater China, explained that the study sought to understand how companies view China as both a sales market and an export platform, as well as how they manage operations there. The goal was to provide actionable insights for businesses navigating this evolving landscape.
According to the survey, 54% of respondents believe China is losing its competitive edge. The primary reasons cited were rising labor costs and RMB appreciation. Specifically, 70% of companies attributed the decline to the yuan's appreciation, while 52% pointed to increasing wages. Salaries for white-collar employees rose by 9.1%, and blue-collar workers saw an increase of 7.6%. Additionally, 33% of companies mentioned employee turnover as another contributing factor.
Dr. Xie also noted that the implementation of the new Labor Contract Law in January 2008 would further raise labor costs, a concern widely shared across the industry. As a result, many companies are reconsidering their strategies. Nearly 20% of the surveyed firms have clear plans to move part of their operations out of China. Of those considering relocation, 88% originally chose China for its low labor costs, but now, lower wages and tax incentives in other countries are making these alternatives more appealing. Vietnam was the top choice for 63% of relocating companies, followed by India at 37%.
Operational inefficiencies also emerged as a key challenge. The report highlighted that despite rising costs, China still lags behind global standards in logistics, trade environments, technology access, management practices, and intellectual property protection. Many multinational companies fail to optimize their operations or fully leverage China’s potential as a manufacturing and procurement hub. The study found that 75% of companies lacked best practices in their local operations, with only 11% using integrated systems like ERP or MRP. Just 7% utilized advanced inventory analysis tools, and a mere 4% applied best practices in supply chain risk management.
This comprehensive analysis suggests that while China remains a critical player in global manufacturing, the country must adapt to maintain its relevance in an increasingly competitive international environment.
Polyurethane System For Shoe Sole
1. Polyester system for safety shoes, single and double density
2. Polyester system for casual shoes, sports shoes
3. Polyester system for lady's high heel shoes, low density and high hardness
4. Polyether for insole/outsole
A Pu system for shoe soles refers to the use of polyurethane (PU) material in the manufacturing of shoe soles. PU is a versatile and durable material that offers several advantages for shoe soles.
Here are some key features and benefits of using a PU system for shoe soles:
1. Cushioning: PU provides excellent cushioning and shock absorption properties, making it ideal for footwear that requires high levels of comfort and impact protection.
2. Lightweight: PU is a lightweight material, which helps reduce the overall weight of the shoe, making it more comfortable to wear and reducing fatigue during extended use.
3. Flexibility: PU offers good flexibility, allowing the shoe sole to bend and flex with the natural movement of the foot. This enhances comfort and prevents stiffness or discomfort during walking or running.
4. Durability: PU is highly durable and resistant to wear and tear, making it suitable for long-lasting shoe soles. It can withstand repeated use and exposure to various environmental conditions without losing its structural integrity.
5. Slip resistance: PU can be formulated with specific additives to enhance its slip resistance properties, providing better traction and grip on different surfaces. This is especially important for safety footwear or shoes used in slippery conditions.
6. Design versatility: PU can be molded into various shapes and designs, allowing for greater design flexibility and customization options for shoe soles. This enables manufacturers to create unique and visually appealing footwear.
7. Water resistance: PU can be made water-resistant or waterproof, which helps protect the shoe sole and the foot from moisture, rain, or other wet conditions.
Overall, a PU system for shoe soles offers a combination of comfort, durability, flexibility, and design versatility, making it a popular choice for footwear manufacturers and consumers alike.
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