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Join Renaud Anjoran, Founder & CEO of Sofeast, in this podcast aimed at importers who develop their own products as he discusses the hottest topics and shares actionable tips for manufacturing in China & Asia today! WHO IS RENAUD? Renaud is a French ISO 9001 & 14001 certified lead auditor, ASQ certified Quality Engineer and Quality Manager who has been working in the Chinese manufacturing industry since 2005. He is the founder of the Sofeast group that has over 200 staff globally and offers services (QA, product development & engineering, project management, Supply Chain Management, product compliance, reliability testing), contract manufacturing, and 3PL fulfillment for importers and businesses who develop their own products and buyers from China & SE Asia. WHY LISTEN? We‘ll discuss interesting topics for anyone who develops and sources their products from Asian suppliers and will share Renaud‘s decades of manufacturing experience, as well as inviting guests from the industry to get a different viewpoint. Our goal is to help you get better results and end up with suppliers and products that exceed your expectations!
Episodes
6 days ago
6 days ago
Join Renaud on a journey into the fascinating world of electronics manufacturing and how Apple's strategic moves in China transformed it. Our episode is inspired by the book "Apple in China: The Capture of the World's Greatest Company," a book by journalist Patrick McGee, who offers a well-researched exploration of how Apple inadvertently established an advanced electronics industry in China.
You will discover how Apple's relentless pursuit of excellence and zero defects not only influenced its contract manufacturers but also propelled the entire electronics supply chain into rapid development. Through countless interactions and challenges over the decades, Apple played a pivotal role in elevating Chinese manufacturers' capabilities, setting the stage for China's dominance in the electronics industry today.
Show Sections
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01:01 – About the Author & Context
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02:05 – Premise of the Book
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03:06 – From In-House to Outsourcing in China
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04:32 – Apple’s Manufacturing Weakness in the 1980s
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06:09 – Canon Printers & Apple’s Foothold in Publishing
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08:12 – Outsourcing Risks: Sharp’s PDA & OEM-ODM Transition
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11:05 – Shift from Japan to Taiwan
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13:13 – iMac Development & DFM Challenges
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16:11 – Upskilling Manufacturers Through Pressure & Innovation
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18:18 – Problems with LG & Lessons in Control
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21:01 – Foxconn’s Rise & Apple’s Trust Transfer
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24:01 – China Joins the WTO & the Manufacturing Boom
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26:01 – China's Superpower: Speed, Scale, Compliance
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28:01 – Apple’s Embedded Control Over Manufacturing
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31:01 – “Chinification” & Why It’s So Hard to Leave Now
Related content...
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Friday May 23, 2025
Post-Brexit Compliance: Selling in the UK vs the EU
Friday May 23, 2025
Friday May 23, 2025
If you're manufacturing products for the EU and wondering how to break into the UK post-Brexit, this episode is for you. Renaud Anjoran sits down with compliance expert Fredrik Grönkvist from ComplianceGate to demystify the increasingly divergent regulatory frameworks between the UK and the EU.
Show Sections
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01:01 – Guest Introduction – Fredrik from ComplianceGate
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02:06 – History of UK and EU Regulatory Alignment
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03:06 – Brexit and the Unfolding Regulatory Chaos
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05:00 – Brexit Formalization and Retained EU Law
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06:39 – CE vs UKCA Marking and 2023–2024 Changes
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08:01 – Northern Ireland vs Great Britain: Regulatory Differences
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08:52 – Selling in Both the EU and UK: What Should Importers Do?
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10:10 – Practical Approach to Compliance for Both Markets
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21:02 – Should You Use CE and UKCA Together on Products?
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24:55 – Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up
Related content...
- Contact Fredrik via his LinkedIn page
- Take a look at Compliancegate.com
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- Connect with us on LinkedIn
- Contact us via Sofeast's contact page
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Wednesday May 21, 2025
Trading Companies Explained (BONUS)
Wednesday May 21, 2025
Wednesday May 21, 2025
In this special bonus episode of 'China Manufacturing Decoded,' Adrian and Renaud look into the often misunderstood role of trading companies in the Chinese manufacturing landscape.
Ultimately, this episode aims to equip listeners with the knowledge to make informed decisions about engaging trading companies, weighing their potential benefits against the challenges of less transparency and higher costs.
Show Sections
- 00:00 - Welcome
- 00:46 - What Is a Trading Company?
- 02:01 - When Trading Companies Can Add Value
- 03:21 - The Downsides of Working With Trading Companies
- 05:16 - How to Spot a Trading Company
- 06:31 - Can a Trading Company Be a Good Partner?
- 08:11 - Final Advice: Should You Use One?
Related content...
- Trading companies glossary
- 8 Red Flags To Beware Of When Working with Chinese Manufacturers
- How To Find Trustworthy Chinese Suppliers?
- Why First-Time Buyers Fall for Trading Companies in China
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Friday May 16, 2025
Friday May 16, 2025
Welcome to episode 273 of the China Manufacturing Decoded podcast. Imagine validating your injection-molded parts using production-grade materials, without waiting weeks or spending tens of thousands. Adrian and Paul unpack the game-changing hybrid tooling process that combines 3D-printed soluble resin inserts with steel molds to accelerate development and reduce risk.
Show Sections
- 00:00 – Welcome & Context
- 01:00 – Hybrid Tooling Explained
- 02:22 – What Is Fast Iterative Tooling?
- 04:00 – Why Traditional Tooling Slows You Down
- 05:38 – Strategic Use of Soluble Resin Inserts
- 07:35 – Closing the Prototyping–Production Gap
- 09:54 – Soluble Inserts Inside Steel Tools
- 13:01 – Iterate Daily: A New Speed Standard
- 15:04 – Hybrid Tooling for Bridge Production
- 20:24 – Case Study: Medical Device Validation in One Week
- 27:04 – The True Impact: Risk and Cost Reduction
- 30:01 – Sustainability, Freedom to Fail, and Final Thoughts
Related content...
- Get help from us to power up your validation using this technology: Freeform Injection Molding Service Bureau in China
- Fast Iterative Tooling at Agilian plastic & Molds
- Do A Bridge Production Rather Than Rushing Into Mass Production
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Tuesday May 13, 2025
Tuesday May 13, 2025
Recorded on the evening of May 12th, China time, as the news broke, Renaud breaks down the implications of the tariff adjustments announced by the U.S. administration. With tariffs previously skyrocketing to up to around 150%, recent talks in Switzerland between the USA and China have resulted in a significant reduction, providing a temporary window of relief for businesses relying on Chinese imports.
The episode provides a detailed overview of the tariff situation, exploring the background of the recent tariff hikes linked to fentanyl and other geopolitical factors. Renaud analyzes the impact of these changes on retailers and brands, offering insights into how major companies like Walmart and Target are reacting to the news. He will also discuss the strategic moves by both large corporations and SMEs in anticipation of these tariff modifications and the potential outcomes for the supply chain, particularly in the lead-up to the busy Christmas season.
You will also get some insight into how tariffs affect logistics, shipping capacity, and the bullwhip effect within the global supply chain, as well as the long-term considerations for American companies concerned about manufacturing in China (with backup plans and diversification into other Asian countries like India and Malaysia touched on).
Related content...
- ‘This is not normal’: U.S., China agree to 90-day tariff pause but 30% is ‘still a big deal’ - CNBC
- What Have the U.S. and China Agreed on Trade? Where Are Tariffs Now? - WSJ
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Friday May 09, 2025
Friday May 09, 2025
Our guest for this episode is Owen Haacke, co-founder of Supply Chain Shark and a licensed customs broker. Owen is renowned for guiding businesses through the complex landscape of US Customs and tariffs.
In this episode, we reconnect with Owen to discuss the evolving nature of import tariffs and the impact of recent regulatory changes on global trade. Owen provides expert insights into the complexities of tariff classifications, emphasizing the importance of understanding HTS codes and country of origin considerations. He dives into examples of how tariff exemptions can be leveraged to reduce costs, focusing on select categories like electronics and children’s products.
Tune in for a comprehensive discussion that equips businesses with the knowledge to make informed decisions in the face of changing trade regulations.
Show Sections
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00:00: Meet the Guest: Owen Haacke on Trade Law and Tariffs
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03:08: Recent Changes in Tariff Regulations
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08:30: The End of De Minimis Exemption
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13:20: Urgency in Relocating Production
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17:07: Understanding Country of Origin
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22:57: Real-World Examples and Legal Gray Areas
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27:36: India, Vietnam, and the Shift Away from China
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32:07: Importance of Due Diligence
Related content...
- You can connect with Owen via his LinkedIn profile
- Importing to the USA, HTS Codes, and Tariff Tips (Feat. Owen Haacke of Supply Chain Shark)
- Get help to move your production to India or Malaysia
- A de minimis tariff exemption expires Friday. Here's what that means for shoppers. (CBS News)
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Friday May 02, 2025
Friday May 02, 2025
Are you gearing up to manufacture a new electronic / hard good product? In this episode, Renaud and Adrian break down exactly what you need to prepare before starting with a manufacturer. These insights could save you time, money, and major headaches.
Show Sections
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00:00: Welcome and Introduction
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01:13: Sourcing Existing Products: Know What You're Buying
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03:26: Transferring Production: Matching Capabilities
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06:12: Developing a New Product: What to Avoid
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10:04: Design First, Then Involve the Factory
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13:06: Involving the Manufacturer in Development (Correctly)
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16:07: Avoiding Design Integration Pitfalls
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20:32: NPI: New Product Introduction Essentials
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24:05: Small Factories & Unstructured NPI: A Hidden Risk
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27:01: Wrapping Up: Do the Work Now to Save Later
Related content...
- Unsure where to start with sourcing? Listen to this podcast series: DIY Sourcing from China Series
- How to Smoothly Transition Between Chinese Manufacturers Without Disruptions
- Why does new product development take so long?
- 8 Common Project Leaders’ Pitfalls During New Product Development
- The New Product Introduction Process Guide
- Why Skipping NPI Phases Is A Big Mistake
- Why You Need Mature Product Designs BEFORE Working With A Chinese Manufacturer!
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Friday Apr 25, 2025
India Rising: Can It Replace China as a Manufacturing Giant?
Friday Apr 25, 2025
Friday Apr 25, 2025
With tariffs rising and China becoming a trickier manufacturing partner, many American importers are looking to India. In this episode, we explore the manufacturing landscape in South India, especially when it comes to sourcing PCB assemblies. You’ll gain first-hand insights from a recent trip and learn what makes India both promising and challenging.
In addition, we discuss U.S.-India Trade Relations in the context of the hot tariff war between the USA and China. Could India be a beneficiary and a good option for American businesses to pivot to?
Show Sections
- [00:00] — Intro: Why India Is on the Radar for U.S. Importers
- [01:10] — Trade Show Trends and Shifting Attention
- [03:52] — A Visit to Bangalore: Local Insights
- [05:27] — PCBA Landscape: Smaller, Manual, but Growing
- [09:27] — Government Clients Dominate, but Consumer Work Emerging
- [12:35] — Lead vs. Lead-Free Soldering: Exporters Take the Lead-Free Route
- [14:41] — Indian Customs Challenges: Real or Overblown?
- [16:32] — Overall Impressions of Bangalore/Southern India as a Manufacturing Base
- [18:04] — U.S.-India Trade Relations: Opportunity Rising
- [23:41] — The Tariff Game: Geopolitical Leverage
- [27:54] — Challenges India Must Overcome to Scale Up
- [35:36] — The Rise of the Indian Wider Ecosystem
- [37:59] — Wrapping up
Related content...
- Bangalore PCBA Suppliers (Ground Level Insights – April 2025)
- India Has a Golden Opportunity to Capture U.S. Business From China (WSJ)
- Vance and Modi meet in New Delhi to discuss trade deal and avoid US tariffs
- Read all of our blog posts about India
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Friday Apr 18, 2025
Friday Apr 18, 2025
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.
Show Sections
- [00:00] Meet Thierry: A Life in Asian Manufacturing
- [01:36] What Makes a Toy a Toy (In the Eyes of Compliance)
- [03:01] The Frustrating Patchwork of EU Compliance
- [05:21] The Drop Shipping Loophole: Compliance Optional
- [08:51] How the EU Plans to Fix It: Digital Passports & Unified Databases
- [12:11] Will This Really Work? The Accountability Gap
- [15:01] ESG Isn’t Dead: Ethical Sourcing Still Matters
- [17:01] Remember Rana Plaza: Why Compliance Is Risk Management
- [20:01] The Tariff Game: How Policy Can Change Overnight
- [23:01] Will Tariffs Stay? Predicting the Next Few Years
- [27:01] Tariffs: Necessary but Out of Control?
- [28:09] Predictions, Frustrations, and the Path Forward
Related content...
- Connect with Thierry
- Get help from Sofeast with Compliance Testing Consulting: We confirm which standards your product must comply with and create and implement a compliance testing plan for you.
- Toy Safety Tips: The Right Mindset for Inventors & Designers
- The 4 Key Stages Of The Toy Development Process
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Friday Apr 11, 2025
Top 10 FAQs about Chinese Contract Manufacturing: Part 2
Friday Apr 11, 2025
Friday Apr 11, 2025
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).
Show Sections
- [00:00] Introduction & Overview
- [01:57] FAQ 6: What are the differences between working with small vs. large manufacturers in China?
- [08:13] FAQ 7: What are the most common mistakes to avoid when working with Chinese manufacturers?
- [15:17] FAQ 8: How do I ensure compliance with international standards (e.g., ISO, CE, FDA)?
- [22:21] FAQ 9: What Are the Key Factors to Consider When Selecting a Chinese Manufacturer?
- [30:22] FAQ 10: Should You Ask Your Manufacturer for Samples? (Spoiler: YES!)
- [34:49] Wrapping up
Related content...
- Top 10 FAQs about Chinese Contract Manufacturing: Part 1 (Feat. Paul Adams) [Podcast]
- How To Choose Which Quality Inspection You Need?
- Explore Sofeast's "Supplier Background Checks service"
- How To Choose Which Factory Audit You Need?
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