The implementation of the free trade agreement between China and the ASEAN has significantly boosted sales to the region, marking a notable 30 percent increase. However, challenges loom on the horizon, with stricter standards within ASEAN-member nations and rising costs in China potentially hindering long-term growth.
Chinese exporters have been reaping the benefits of the bilateral trade pact with ASEAN, evident one year post-implementation. Yet, there’s a growing awareness among them that maintaining these advantages over the long haul won’t be without its hurdles.
While ASEAN countries currently absorb a relatively small fraction of China’s exports, shipments to the region have been steadily surging. In 2010 alone, overseas sales witnessed a robust 30 percent uptick, totaling $138.2 billion. Among ASEAN nations, Singapore, Malaysia, and Vietnam emerged as the top importers, with China exporting $32.35 billion, $23.81 billion, and $23.11 billion worth of goods, respectively. Notably, exports to Indonesia and Thailand experienced the most significant growth, soaring by 49.3 percent and 48.6 percent, respectively.
China predominantly exports home appliances, consumer electronics, garments, textiles, machinery, and metal to ASEAN-member countries. For many suppliers, the region has become a viable alternative to the EU and the US, markets that often levy anti-dumping duties and trade sanctions on Chinese imports. Some exporters even utilize ASEAN countries as conduits to reach these traditional destinations.
For instance, Guangdong Galanz Enterprise Group Co. Ltd and Zhongshan Mingzhi Electrical Appliance & Gas Cooker Co. Ltd witnessed substantial growth in rice cooker exports to the region, boasting increases of 50 percent and 40 percent, respectively, in 2010. Similarly, Richforth Ltd experienced a 20 percent surge in garment sales to Singapore.
The export of machinery, particularly for fabric weaving and ceramic tile production, along with metal products, has been on the rise due to the concerted efforts of many ASEAN-member countries to bolster their industrial capacity. This trend is anticipated to persist over the next three to five years.
Nevertheless, sustaining robust sales growth beyond this period poses challenges. While concerns over tariffs and dumping duties may diminish, exporters must now invest in establishing robust distribution networks and adhering to increasingly stringent standards. These evolving dynamics underscore the need for Chinese exporters to navigate a complex landscape to maintain their foothold in the ASEAN market.