“China’s supply chain has gone through significant, transformative changes in the last five years. For executives or engineers, designers or buyers, who have not been here since before COVID, they’re going to see a completely different China.” - Jeffrey Goldstein, Founder & President of Onward Global

It is impossible to discuss global supply chains without being hyper aware of the role of China. Whether it is their access to critical raw materials, specialization in certain production processes, or labor advantages, relocating supply chains to other parts of the world is harder than it sounds.

Even companies looking to embrace a China +1 strategy have found that few +1s are ready to come online as quickly as industries need.

Jeffrey Goldstein is the Founder & President of Onward Global. Based in Shanghai, he and his team serve as the ‘boots on the ground’ for companies around the world that are sourcing in China, helping them overcome cultural and strategic obstacles to value. 

In this episode of the Art of Supply podcast, Kelly Barner welcomes Jeffrey to share his first hand perspective on doing business with Chinese suppliers today:

• Where he has seen the most change in supply chains since COVID’s impact began to wind down
• Generational workforce trends that may be more global than they first appear 
• Why suppliers in China are so hard to replace - and why they may be even harder to compete with
• Realities that any company looking to move their sourcing out of China or diversify their sources should be aware of

Links:

• Jeffrey Goldstein on LinkedIn
• Kelly Barner on LinkedIn
• Boots on the Ground in Shanghai, China feat. Jeffrey Goldstein, President of ONWARD Global (Dial P for Procurement)
• Art of Supply LinkedIn newsletter 
• Art of Suhttp://artofsupply.compply on AOP
• Subscribe to This Week in Procurement