The consulting company I worked before introduced this US client into China market and found a local Chinese manufacturing partner to start OEM mode at the end of last century. But at the beginning the cooperation was very bumpy and the client become uneasy about the big variation in product quality which brought in risk to its 150+ year old brand. The client needed someone to watch over the production and quality of the products made at the Chinese factory. Here I came in as an independent auditor on the client’s behalf in the early 21 century.

When expanding your business to China, finding the right supplier can be a complex and time-consuming process.

At Viotech, we are committed to building strong and transparent partnerships with our suppliers, ensuring that our clients receive the highest quality products and services. Recently, our team had the opportunity to engage in a deep and insightful conversation with one of our key carbon fiber suppliers, Juli Composite.

As a trusted sourcing agent in China, we specialize in helping global companies — particularly from the U.S. and Europe — find reliable OEM suppliers in China. In this article, we’re sharing a real-life story about one of our longest-standing supplier relationships: a partnership spanning over 10 years with TIANJIN SOCCER SPORTING GOODS FACTORY.

A European buyer placed an order with a Shenzhen-based Chinese supplier on June 24, 2024 for inverter components. The supplier promised delivery within one week but, as of April 2025, has failed to fulfill the order despite receiving full payment. Repeated follow-ups yielded only excuses:

With over 20 years of experience helping clients buy from China, I've learned much about how to screen suppliers effectively. Here are some key points to consider when selecting a supplier:

What matters when buying customized products from Chinese suppliersPatience and again patience no matter how tight your schedule is. A spinning head sees nothing.We have learned this from one of our current projects: help our client buy manufacturing equipment from China. If you put the designing onto the supplier’s hand, keep in mind that you treat him as he knows nothing about your factory, your products or your requirements. It is sort of “start from scratch”, then you give him all the basics and only the key dim/aspects/factors/targets, particularly the limitations at the beginning. It takes more time for him to develop an understanding of your request than you expect. Often you will go back to these basics sometime at some point and you have lost time and at a risk of delay.

In the world of international trade, the allure of the lowest price can be irresistible. It promises savings, higher margins, and seemingly endless profits. Yet, beneath its tempting facade lies a web of challenges and pitfalls that many buyers overlook in their pursuit of a bargain.

In the intricate web of global supply chains, the journey from suppliers to strategic partners requires careful navigation and strategic decision-making. For a US buyer of truck parts, the transition from transactional relationships to strategic alliances with Chinese suppliers proved to be a pivotal moment in their sourcing strategy. Let's delve into the case study to understand the assessment process and its transformative impact.

China’s export performance in 2024 has shattered records, signaling a transformative year for global trade. With a total export value of $3.58 trillion, marking a 5.9% year-on-year increase, China continues to solidify its position as a dominant force in global commerce. Notably, December alone saw a 10.7% export growth, exceeding expectations and reflecting the anticipation of trade policy changes, particularly in light of U.S. President Trump’s inauguration and potential tariff hikes.

The client is a US food packaging company that just bought two #sheeters from China, among other machines. The chosen supplier is a top-three sheeter manufacturer because of its advanced technology, mature fabrication expertise (30+ years), lower cost, and, more importantly, short lead time.

In today's era of globalization, cross-border procurement has emerged as a key strategic initiative for many businesses looking to expand their operations. Recently, we had the privilege of assisting a US client in sourcing carbon fiber tube manufacturers from China. The experience was both memorable and worth sharing.