China’s export ambitions take a hit (Sep 07)

The biggest winners from the recent spate of scares over Chinese exports may be Chinese consumers, who have long dealt with product safety concerns far more serious than those experienced in export markets. For their part, most Chinese manufacturers can put up with the higher costs of a more rigorous safety regime – many will simply pass them on to customers. But for China’s government, the whole episode has been a big setback in its efforts to build up globallyrecognised Chinese brands, and to portray China as a responsible global player.