Recent food and product recalls on merchandise from China has caused a lot of people to doubt the quality of imported goods from the country. What the events have done, however, is point out how dependent consumers have become on Chinese exports. One family conducted an experiment to see if they could survive one year without buying anything that was "made in China."
Sara Bongiorni wrote a book on the 12 month challenge she undertook with her family. She concluded that her mission ended up being a lot more challenging than she had originally anticipated. The book is a fun yet informative read backed up with solid research. She was meticulous about not buying any guys that had Chinese ties during the period.
The hardest part of the challenge? Bongiorni says it was keeping her family to abide by the rules. With so many technology goods and toys produced in China, it would be a challenge for anyone.
Surviving Without "Made in China"
Family Goes 1 Year Without Chinese Goods
Trend Themes
1. Increasing Skepticism of Chinese Goods - There is a growing trend of consumers doubting the quality of imported goods from China, leading to potential opportunities for alternative suppliers.
2. Consumer Demand for Non-chinese Products - More consumers are seeking out products that are not made in China, creating a market for non-Chinese manufacturers to capitalize on.
3. Challenges of Reducing Dependence on Chinese Exports - The experiment by one family highlights the difficulties and complexities of trying to eliminate Chinese-made goods from daily consumption, indicating room for innovation in sourcing and manufacturing.
Industry Implications
1. Alternative Suppliers of Imported Goods - Companies that can offer high-quality alternatives to Chinese-made products have the opportunity to gain market share and address the growing skepticism among consumers.
2. Non-chinese Manufacturing - Manufacturers that can produce goods outside of China have the potential to tap into the consumer demand for non-Chinese products and establish a competitive advantage.
3. Sustainable and Responsible Sourcing - Businesses that can provide transparent, ethically-sourced alternatives to Chinese exports can disrupt the market by appealing to conscious consumers concerned about product safety and labor conditions.