【Buyer Talk】Early May20 sourcing demand, masks RFQ...etc.

The global manufacturing landscape remains resilient, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in China. Despite widespread speculation regarding companies relocating to Southeast Asia, China's established infrastructure continues to provide superior value and competitive pricing for smaller operations. While markets like Vietnam are emerging, they currently lack the organizational maturity to effectively support SMEs, often prioritizing large-scale contracts. Meanwhile, the pandemic has shifted consumer demand, creating a surge in indoor fitness equipment and sustained interest in outdoor products like electric skateboards. Conversely, the market for personal protective equipment, such as masks, has become a chaotic "Wild West" environment characterized by extreme volatility, a lack of due diligence, and unrealistic expectations from both buyers and sellers, making it a high-risk sector for consultants to navigate.