Challenges galore, but trade firms tough it out

Gao could have been talking of Fashion Flying Group. The Fuzhou, Fujian province-based company makes outdoor garments and performance workwear. It is one of the biggest performance outdoor wear suppliers in China. It also has production bases in Vietnam and some countries in Africa.

When a major Russian client canceled some business orders due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Fashion Flying took the unexpected reverse in its stride. But little did it realize more surprises awaited it. The Russian client changed its mind and said it merely wants the shipments to be delayed, not canceled. Even before Fashion Flying could reschedule the shipments, it received another request: deliver the goods as per the original schedule. Well, Fashion Flying handled the unseemly turn of events with a cool head and managed to make deliveries as per the original schedule, by leveraging its multiple production sites and rearranging production to suit client needs.

It used online channels to communicate with its client on samples, production inspections and finished product examination, reinforcing long-term relationships and trust.

Lan Qingxin, a professor at the Academy of China Open Economy Studies, which is part of the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing, said China has a complete manufacturing or industrial chain, which ensures high quality and strong competitiveness of Chinese products in global markets.

"The pressures on Chinese foreign trade enterprises mainly come from external factors such as high prices of raw materials, disruptions to logistics and supply chains, decline in overseas demand and competition from other countries," Lan said.

Chinese enterprises, he said, should better utilize free trade agreements, enhance their core competitiveness and brand image, use digital tools and new trade formats more, and proactively meet customer needs.

Analysts said policy measures already in place will help improve the situation, lighten the burdens on Chinese enterprises, facilitate foreign trade growth and improve foreign trade structure.