In The News

China’s Strategy in US Car Market: Make Parts First

Colum Murphy and Jeff Bennett September 21, 2015
Chinese automakers may eventually become a global force in the auto industry. Rather than follow the Japanese model of importing cars, Chinese firms are acquiring US and European auto parts plants. “By first learning to make and sell car parts in markets like the U.S., leaders in China’s auto industry say, companies can then use the lessons to move on to selling cars overseas,” reports the Wall...

The War on Big Food

Beth Kowitt May 27, 2015
Global consumers are picky eaters, examining labels and prompting food manufacturers to reassess what goes into their products. “The idea of ‘processing’ – from ancient techniques of salting and curing to the modern arsenal of artificial preservatives – arose to make sure the food we ate didn’t make us sick,” explains Beth Kowitt for Fortune. “Today many fear that it’s the processed food itself...

A Windfall for China as Commodity Prices Plunge

Mark Magnier and Chuin-Wei Yap March 16, 2015
Many analysts argued that China was poised for recession in 2015 but falling commodity prices worldwide could bring respite: “the world's largest importer of natural resources stocks up and saves money in the process,” reports the Wall Street Journal. “By some estimates, China is enjoying annual headline savings of as much as $250 billion from stepped-up purchases of discounted oil, copper...

Apple “Deeply Offended” by BBC Investigation

December 23, 2014
BBC reported on poor conditions for workers contributing to Apple products in Asia. Apple responded with a lengthy response on how it strives to improve labor conditions. The BBC Panorama report covered long hours for workers in China as well as illegal mining involving children in Indonesia. “"After years of slow progress and industry excuses, Apple decided to attack the problem by...

Korea Ups Its Robots Game

Brian Bremner and Rose Kim September 15, 2014
Governments can set goals to compete in specific industries, and South Korea’s global ambition is to exceed other countries in advanced robotics. Currently the nation ranks fourth in development of industrial robots, after Japan, the United States and the EU. The three nations and Germany represent 50 percent of the global robotics market; China is the biggest market. Robot Land, a combined theme...

Globalization's Old “Race to the Bottom” Finds Unlikely Winners

Kenneth Rapoza August 27, 2014
Globalization has oft been described as a race to the bottom, but as with any race, there is much jockeying for position. The nations in the lead may surprise some corporations and nations, suggests a report from the Boston Consulting Group. China is not necessarily the big winner as demonstrated by expanded auto production in the United Kingdom, and Mexico is emerging as an alternative...

Globalization Responsible for Factory Tragedy

Grahame Lucas April 28, 2014
A year has passed since the collapse of the Rana Plaza factory complex that killed more than 1100 workers – the worst accident in Bangladesh history. Activists in Bangladesh report some improvements in wages, inspections and worker training. Yet wealthy consumers around the globe fail to see the connection between their quest for affordable fashion and the workers who toil for low wages and...