I don't want to extend a non S-scale thread, or heaven forbid start a new one,
but I would like to share my experience in this industry and clear up some
misperceptions.
There are no 'nationwide' trade restrictions preventing the Chinese from
exporting mold tooling they produce. Indeed, Chinese toolmakers export quite a
significant volume of molds (silicone, multi-cavity thermoplastic, thermoset,
you name it). Over the years I've purchased many molds from Taiwan (1990s) and
from the Mainland (since 2003). 'Local' i.e. regional Chinese State governments
are often quite different from each other, and have a variety of export
incentives.
Nevertheless, there is a strong and growing preference among the Chinese to
grow
their value-add manufacturing, which means build molds for themselves, run the
presses with their own molds, and sell molded components for export.
Companies in North America and Europe run into difficulties because of:
- intellectual property theft (patent vioation),
- counterfeiting, and
- non-adherence to contract terms and conditions.
Chinese contract compliance is inconsistent at best, which can lead to
termination by the Chinese vendor for no apparent legitimate reason. Methinks
this is the situation many face today: if Chinese manufacturers become unhappy
with volumes or margins, they can arbitrarily suspend production. Chinese
courts
are often nationalistic and biased, because they will seldom enforce decisions
that weigh against Chinese firms.
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