Analyst Insight: The demand for increased efficiency in China distribution is driving some incremental improvements in supply chain. Growth is on the rise for domestic transportation, localized supply chain IT solutions are experiencing revenue growth, and the amount of automation installed in new facilities is on the rise. Changes are also happening in real estate and there is an increase amongst importing and exporting. - Jim Serstad, Managing Director Asia, Tompkins International
In debates about whether growth is a percentage point up or down, we too often lose sight of the absolute scale of China's economy. No matter what rate the country grows at in 2016, its share of the global economy, and of many specific sectors, will be larger than ever.
For roughly three decades, China's booming economy has offered consumer product companies some of the world's greatest growth opportunities. China's economic slowdown and jittery markets have raised worries that this growth story is drawing to a close. In early November 2015, for example, the government lowered its official five-year annual GDP growth target to 6.5 percent, the slowest pace since the 2008–2009 global financial crisis.
Just 15 years ago, China was home to 200 foreign-run R&D centers. Today, multinationals operate more than 1,500 innovation facilities throughout the country - and this number is poised to increase 20 percent by 2018. But this trend involves more than sheer presence.
China is one of the fastest-growing markets, and small business owners shouldn't be intimidated by perceived complexity around regulations or not being able to connect with a new culture and customer base. By thoughtfully making small changes to business and marketing methods as well as taking advantage of the myriad resources available, entrepreneurs can easily navigate these international waters.
China's President Xi Jinping said he hoped his nation's annual trade with the countries involved in Beijing's plan to create a modern Silk Road would surpass $2.5tr in a decade.
Analyst Insight: Though logistics in China has historically been resistant to change, improvements in express delivery will have a noticeable impact in 2015 due to the rapid growth of e-commerce, food safety concerns, and government measures. The limited supply of land for logistics purposes will affect warehousing costs, and the extra cost will drive the need for storage efficiency. Manufacturing will see modest expansion and gradual migration out of China to lower cost countries. – Jim Serstad, Managing Director, Tompkins Asia
China will be the focus of many, many boardroom discussions around the world in 2015. Unlike most previous years, the topic won't be whether to double down on China - it will be whether to hold or even reduce exposure to a particular sector or the country overall. With China experiencing lower growth, greater competition, and more volatility, it won’t only be multinational companies having these conversations.
