As editor of A new ad campaign that highlights the quality of Chinese-made products is sure to irritate some North American manufacturers.
The ads, featuring the tagline "Made in China. Made with the world," have recently starting airing on cable channel CNN. The spots were funded by a group of Chinese trade associations.
The ads stress how Chinese manufacturers work hand-in-hand with foreign companies to make a variety of products -- the ad shows a pair of running shoes, an MP3 player, and other items, all with prominent "Made in China" labels.
Zhang Yujing, executive vice president of the China Chamber of Commerce of Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products, told China's People's Daily that the Chinese trade groups want to build an image for products made in China.
Others speculate that the ads could also be aimed at defusing rising trade tension, and as an attempt to rehabilitate the reputation of products made in China, following scandals over the safety of Chinese-made toys, pet food, drywall and other products.
The ad agency is the Chinese arm of New York-based DDB.
Thanks to the Alliance for American Manufacturing's manufacturethis.org for pointing out this item.
Comments (3)
Most of products made in China are reliable. They have better qualities and cheaper prices.
Posted by Sharon | December 8, 2009 9:22 AM
Posted on December 8, 2009 09:22
I really don’t have any problem with the ads that will be run, but I am concerned they will run without an alternative competing narrative.
I suspect the commenter from the Asian sourcing company meant to say "they have better quality" - regardless, that is an assertion that I would vigorously debate. Frankly, while it is true that there are many products that are reliably sourced and manufactured in China, I would like to see a competing ad campaign that honestly and openly addresses the subject of "at what cost?" does this undeniable dynamic occur.
An assessment of how these “cheaper prices” are accomplished could be informative and instructive. It might serve as the basis for healthy reflection and reconsideration of this path we are on.
Clearly, it is unwise to ignore the unintended downstream consequences we can reasonably expect to arise from an unquestioned acceptance of our current direction.
Posted by Ron Kirscht | December 8, 2009 1:19 PM
Posted on December 8, 2009 13:19
Where are you from, Sharon? Many products shipped to the U.S. from China remain largely unchecked and unregulated (note the items Don Loepp mentioned - surely there are many more we just have not heard about yet, given the volume of items made there and exported). I have yet to be convinced of their reliability let alone their safety factor. And as for price, if you've purchased a car or major appliance or even new clothing lately, the Chinese made items are every bit as expensive as they were when made here. Only the Middle Man is making out.
I agree with Ron that there ought to be an ad campaign that works to educate the consumer about the huge cost, on many levels, of losing our manufacturing base. Good-paying jobs with benefits is one very big loss that even our government doesn't seem to care about. Did they ever think that if they had policies in place to restore our manufacturing base then Americans would get back to work and have the health insurance they need? And hello - think of all the tax dollars those companies and employees would contribute again! I'm sure they know this - They aren't dumb. Rather, they are ruled by something else called greed, which is why educating voters is important for the future well-being of the U.S.
Posted by Cynthia Kustush | December 8, 2009 3:39 PM
Posted on December 8, 2009 15:39