Understanding the US China Trade Imbalance: What is Really Driving Chinese Exports?

As the China-US trade imbalance seems likely to remain in the spotlight continually, this article explores the forces that drive Chinese exports. Despite of China’s great influence on US’s trade deficit through an undervalued currency among other measures, contrary to common sense, foreign companies may play a significant role in this. Correcting the trade imbalance will come about by higher prices in China, coupled with a stronger currency. It may take years, or even decades.

Hedging on Hedges

This article explains that the recent movement of China’s wealthy (and wealth) overseas is not necessarily a brain and wealth drain for China, but instead a way for wealthy Chinese to establish a hedge both on assets and a quality of life. It could be stretch their legs and enjoy the suburbia life more developed in anglo-saxon countries, or simply spending in China for suburban villas, overseas travel and private school.

Populations and Pre-School

A partner at GCiS applies his own observations of Chinese urban families to a recent study that suggests even if the one-child policy was lifted, not many families would have (or could afford) another child. Besides the basic necessities, he explains, the “expected” costs such as English lessons, baby powder, and even photographs would keep families thinking twice about “having another.”

The Chinese Industrial Swarm

Much is written in the West of China’s trade and industrial policies, but there is little available information that accurately describes the scale, speed and nature of how these actions are set in motion. A common misconception is that policy in China is dictated and overseen by a small group of autocrats, that policies are made and the rest of the country follows the lead. How it really works is a little different however, and described here with Photovoltaics being a case in point.

China in 2019

A snapshot of the most likely economic, political, industrial and environmental trends emerging in China’s mid term future. Also included is the market for foreign companies, among other trends.

China Entry Guideline

This article examines the basic issues with business entry in China, ranging from structural set up, establishment of sales and distribution networks, operational considerations and protection of intellectual property.

Regarding Guanxi in China

Exploring the definition of "Guanxi" in China, this article explores its main functions and meaning, outside of its typically overused context. This includes the true implications for foreigners and foreign businesses, and intelligent ways of leveraging useful “Guanxi” in the best and most practical manner.

Do's & Don'ts for China Entry

This article written by Senior Partner Charles Oliver offers 7 key Do's and Don'ts (seven of each) regarding the most important China market entry issues.

Research in China

Here, uniqueness in approaches to market research in China are examined and compared to research practices in the West. The article provides more detailed information regarding variety of research sources, their reliability, possible misunderstandings and common failings.