Shanghai -- China has long been the country that comes to mind when importers hear the term “manufacturing hub.” And while China does still hold some major competitive advantages over its smaller manufacturing counterparts, with U.S. tariffs against China in the last few years, there has been a slowdown in the commercial relations between the two countries. Several Chinese producers have found a solution in moving part of their production lines to Southeast Asian countries. This move not only helps them control quality and keep prices as low as before, but it also enables business dealings with their U.S. counterparts. The most common countries chosen in the region are Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Vietnam.

Royal Crystal--one of the leading Vietnamese flooring brands--booked the space a few days after the announcement of the new area. Domestic companies are also lining up for a booth in the Southeast Asian Business Hub. One of the first exhibitors is Tianzhen Flooring. Established in 2003 in Anji city, the company has a long history of exporting to the U.S., Europe, Canada, Korea, Japan and Australia. Last year they decided to move a part of their production lines to Vietnam, with its factory beginning operation last month to produce LVT, WPC and SPC flooring.

“Tariffs have resulted in manufacturing being developed in countries in Southeast Asia, mostly though Asian manufactures expanding into different countries” said Thomas Baert, president of Firmfit and CFL Flooring. “Uncertainty will not disappear anytime soon, even if certain 301 tariffs have recently been rescinded. Our target is to be able to continue to provide flexible solutions that are above geopolitical risks”. Earlier this year, CFL also moved some of its production lines to Vietnam.

For more information, visit www.domotexasiachinafloor.com.