China and the United States have different economic and politic agendas which impact business relationships between the countries. However, over the years, the United States and China have continued to grow in importance to each other - despite trade tensions.
In 2006, the USA sold over $55 billion in goods to China. So, while there is negative publicity about the roughly $290 billion in imports from China, there are enormous business opportunities for USA businesses working with Chinese businesses – buying and selling to drive top line and bottom line growth.
Small Business Opportunities with China are Growing It is not only large multinational USA companies that are benefiting from their business relationships with China. The number of small and mid-size USA companies trading with China continues to grow. Over the past 15 years, small and mid-size companies that export to China have grown ten-fold to nearly 30,000 companies.
According the US Census Bureau, the US has a trade surplus in 8 out of 10 high-technology product categories. The majority of the US trade deficit with China is primarily in consumer products, such as electronic games, CD/DVD players and laptop PC’s. For many US market segments, there is relatively balanced trade with China.
Small and mid-size companies are taking advantage of growing opportunities to sell unique products to China customers as the standard of living improves in China. US companies are also driving growth by filling product gaps with China products intended for US customers. Of course, US companies also continue to source greater numbers of competitively priced components in China to improve their global competitive position.
“Many businesses assume that trading with China is limited to the fortune 500 companies”, said Darrell Wilk, President of WW BusinessNet and Senior China Consultant. “However, China can present vast opportunities in sales growth as well as improving cost competitiveness for small and medium sized businesses.”
“There are professional Chinese supply chain management organizations that are anxious to partner with US small and medium sized companies interested in taking advantage of opportunities in China”, according to John Gotthardt, Purchasing Manager of Ace Label Systems in Golden Valley, Minnesota. “These China sourcing organizations can assist with identification of Chinese sources, conducting vendor audits, and negotiating supplier agreements.”
Business and Political Complex Agendas Trying to improve business conditions between China and the USA through political trade barriers could negatively impact the standard of living in each country by potentially reducing trade between the countries, raising consumer prices, driving up interest rates, and slowing the economic growth of both countries. Pitting the largest global economy in a trade war with the world’s fastest growing economy is risky business in deed for the entire world economy.
Just in the USA, small and mid-size business that rely on China as a source of supply and/or a market for their products could be forced to rethink their supply chain strategy and business development plans that are critical to their business performance goals.
China Partners Support US Small Businesses Local Chinese business consulting and marketing organizations are well suited to assist small US businesses to develop their China business plan and to reach targeted Chinese markets. These Chinese support businesses are expanding rapidly in China to meet the demand from US companies. US firms have access to local Chinese business partners with experience in virtually all Chinese market segments.
For small US firms planning to do business in China, having a professional local Chinese partner can be critical to success. Local business partners would typically be available to assist USA firms successfully expand their presence in China – by answering questions, such as:
How can local Chinese marketing & manufacturing partners be identified and qualified?
What investment options might be considered in China since it is now in the WTO?
What types of governmental legal, financial and taxation regulations must be managed to do business in China?
Penetrating China Markets
Chinese markets afford tremendous opportunities for USA businesses. Local China partners can guide US firms by assisting in;
Identifying Business Opportunities
Finding Strategic Trading Partners
Working with Local Authorities
Assisting with Business Development
Manufacturing in China
US companies interested in expanding their manufacturing presence in China to improve their cost competitiveness could partner with local Chinese organization with expertise in planning and execution of manufacturing operations in China. Specifically, firms should consider:
Facility Planning
Geographic Location
Legal and Tax Issues
Supply China Considerations
Risk Mitigation Actions
Implementation Planning
Sourcing in China
China business partners are available to assist US firms understand the Chinese supply chain opportunities and challenges in China and can improve the probability of success by:
Finding Professional Sourcing Partners & Suppliers
Helping with Taxes and Legal Documentation Issues
Assisting in Supplier Management and Audits
Providing Logistics Import/Export Support
Today, small US businesses are competing in global market environment - almost regardless of their product market focus. Considering the positive and negative impact of China their business strategy can critical to sustain long term success, whether it is China’s rapidly growing markets or China’s highly competitive manufacturing and sourcing opportunities.
“A well thought out China strategy should be a strong consideration for small businesses”, said Darrell Wilk. “It could make the difference in the growth and prosperity of your company.”
Darrell Wilk is a Global Business Consultant and Instructor at Concordia University in St. Paul, Minnesota and Argosy University in Eagan, Minnesota focused on Marketing, Strategic Planning, and Global Business Development. Darrell has extensive experience in consulting on China business opportunities. In addition, he instructs Executive Sales Leadership at the University of Wisconsin, Madison Executive Education.
Darrell also is President and a senior consultant with WW Business Net, a consulting company that specialized in helping US companies that wants to do business in China. The consulting company features China Business Tours, which are designed to help businesses economically explore business opportunities in China. Darrell may be contacted by emailing him at info@usa-chinanet.com or calling 714-651-6841
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Darrell_Wilk
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