Journal
Reporting from both sides of the bridge.
Markets · Feb 2026
Why Shanghai's tech belt is reshaping SME sourcing
A new wave of contract manufacturers is taking on smaller orders without the historic minimums.
Field notes · Jan 2026
What a productive Canton Fair week really looks like
Five days, sixty conversations, three signed LOIs — and the prep that made it possible.
Guides · Dec 2025
Audit checklist: vetting a Chinese factory in under 90 minutes
The non-negotiables we check on every first visit, distilled into a one-page brief.
Regulation · Nov 2025
UKCA, CE and what's actually required in 2026
Cutting through the noise on conformity marking for goods entering Great Britain.
Logistics · Oct 2025
Air vs. sea: a cost calculator for first-time importers
When the premium for airfreight pays for itself — and when it certainly doesn't.
Culture · Sep 2025
Negotiating in Mandarin without speaking it
Six conventions worth knowing before your next supplier dinner.