China Manufacturing Decoded

Ever wondered how non-compliant products sneak into your Amazon cart? In this episode, Renaud and Thierry Bourret, director of Konomocha an Asian business development firm, dive into the loopholes that let toys and other goods bypass EU safety standards—and what new regulations might change the game. From Amazon's drop shipping to digital product passports, find out how compliance is evolving in the global market.

We've been asked a lot of questions about manufacturing in China over the years, so Paul Adams, the Sofeast Group's New Product Development head, returns to walk us through the second 5 of his Top 10 FAQs about working with Chinese contract manufacturers (and others).

• [00:00] Introduction & Overview
• [01:57] FAQ 6: What are the differences between working with small vs. large manufacturers in China?
• [08:13]...

Donald Trump just dropped a major bombshell on global trade—again. In this emergency bonus episode, Renaud breaks down the April 2nd "Liberation Day" announcement and how his new sweeping tariff strategy could shake up global sourcing, hit key allies, and complicate the China manufacturing equation even further.

• [00:00] Introduction & Overview​
• [01:00] The April 2nd Announcement Breakdown​
• [04:10] China's T...

Thinking about manufacturing your product in China? In this episode, Paul Adams, the Sofeast Group's New Product Development head, joins us to uncover the secrets to successfully working with Chinese contract manufacturers—how to communicate effectively, manage quality issues, leverage regional strengths for better production, and more.

These are Paul's first 5 FAQs, so look at for part 2 coming soon!

• [00:00] I...

Are YOU confident that your manufacturing process delivers consistent quality every time? In this episode, we explore the essential concept of manufacturing process controls—why they matter, how to implement them, and how they can prevent costly quality issues. Join us as we explore practical examples that will help you take control of your production process.

• [00:00] – Introduction
• [01:30] - What are Manufactu...

Welcome to the 263rd episode of China Manufacturing Decoded! This episode marks a special milestone - four full years of insightful discussions aimed at taking the uncertainty out of manufacturing, quality control, and more in China and Asia.

In this episode, we dive into the world of quality inspections. It doesn't matter if you're manufacturing products in China, India, or elsewhere in Asia; knowing when and how to inspect your p...

In today’s episode 262, we’re looking into Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) — a critical tool for manufacturers and product developers aiming to improve sustainability and meet growing regulatory demands. You’ll learn why understanding a product’s entire life cycle — from raw material extraction to disposal — is essential for reducing environmental impact, staying compliant with new regulations, and designing more sustainable products...

Are YOU ready for production? 

Rushing into production without proper checks can lead to costly mistakes. In this episode, we break down the critical buyer-side deliverables and validations that ensure your product is genuinely ready for mass production (especially for new electrical, electronic, and mechanical products). From quality control to reliability testing and supply chain stability, we’ll help you avoid common pitfalls an...

In this bonus episode of China Manufacturing Decoded, Renaud talks about the additional 10% tariff to be placed on Chinese products announced by Donald Trump on February 27th.

Earlier in February he placed a blanket 10% tariff on all Chinese imports (in addition to any already in place), so this new round coming into effect in the first week of March 2025 will take them to 20%+ existing rates...and it's supposedly all because of Fe...

In episode 259 of the podcast, host Adrian welcomes back special guest Andrew Amirnovin, a reliability expert, to explore Early Field Failure Analysis (EFFA) and why it's essential for manufacturers aiming to avoid costly recalls and reputation damage. They share real-world examples of what happens when EFFA is neglected—including major recalls from Tesla, Volkswagen, and Firestone.

Tune in to learn how to implement an effective EF...

In an era dominated by 3D modeling and digital simulations, are 2D drawings still relevant in manufacturing?

In this episode of China Manufacturing Decoded, we discuss why 2D technical drawings remain an essential tool. From preventing miscommunication to ensuring precision in production, we’ll explore their role, common challenges, and best practices for creating effective technical drawings.

• 01:20 - Introduci...

In Episode 257, hosts Adrian and Renaud explore risk assessments and the importance of understanding risks at both macro (project) and micro (product) levels. With practical insights, they explore how businesses can identify potential risks in new product development, supply chain setups, and manufacturing processes.

Assessing risks is a fundamental practice that can save businesses from costly mistakes, compliance issues, and unfo...

Adrian and Renaud look into Angell Bikes today. This once-promising French e-bike startup soared in popularity and even had a partnership with the MINI car brand, but is now facing bankruptcy. What went wrong? Was it poor manufacturing choices, a flawed design, or something else? We unravel the complexities of this case, exploring the partnerships, design decisions, and supply chain dynamics that led to this downfall. If you're i...

In this bonus episode, we examine the recent escalation of tariffs imposed by the US on international trade partners, including Canada, Mexico, and notably China. We explore the implications of the increased tariffs, with specific focus on the extra 10% levy placed on various product categories from China.

The discussion addresses the complexities importers face, such as the tariffs on components which affect the overall production...

Adrian and Renaud explore a critical stage in the new product introduction (NPI) process: Getting tooling for plastic injection molding made before your final prototypes are finished. They discuss the risks and considerations of commissioning tooling before a final prototype is completed, the financial implications, and best practices to mitigate risks. 

More widely discussed are the prototyping process, new product development, an...

Hosts Adrian and Renaud delve into the critical topic of supplier audits. Whether you're sourcing new suppliers or evaluating existing ones, conducting thorough audits is essential to minimizing risks, ensuring product quality, and maintaining a reliable supply chain. With practical insights, examples, and actionable advice, this episode equips importers and manufacturers with the tools to make informed decisions and avoid costly m...

Welcome back to the podcast, Episode 252, as we kick off 2025 with fresh insights and learnings. This episode is a deep dive into the heart of quality assurance, exploring why achieving excellence in the manufacturing industry goes beyond simple end-line inspections. Join your hosts, Adrian and Renaud, as they break down the crucial concept that 'quality is made, not found.'

We explore W. Edward Deming's significant influence on ma...

Welcome to episode 251 of China Manufacturing Decoded. In this episode, Paul Adams, head of new product development and a senior engineer, delves into a pivotal question that product creators face: whether to partner with a single full-service contract manufacturer or collaborate with multiple specialized suppliers to bring a product idea to life.

Paul discusses the advantages and disadvantages of each approach, offering insights i...

Happy New Year, and welcome to a special episode of China Manufacturing Decoded. Our guest, Owen Haacke, co-founder of Supply Chain Shark, dives deep into how importing into the U.S. may shift in 2025 under President Trump's second term. Topics include HTS codes, effective tariff strategies, and much more. Whether you’re an American importer or an international company selling into the U.S., this episode is packed with valuable ins...