第一批00后厂二代，硬刚关税风暴

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the impact of recent U.S. tariff policies on Chinese manufacturers, particularly focusing on the experiences of the new generation of factory owners, known as the "second generation" or "厂二代," who are navigating a turbulent trade environment and adapting their strategies to survive and thrive in the changing landscape. Group 1: Tariff Impact - In April, President Trump announced a series of tariffs on China, with cumulative tariffs reaching 125% by April 10 [1] - Many factories, particularly those heavily reliant on U.S. orders, faced significant disruptions, with some halting operations entirely due to the tariffs [4][5] - Howard's textile factory, which relies on U.S. clients for 45% of its business, experienced order cancellations and delays as tariffs exceeded 100% [6][7] Group 2: Adaptation Strategies - Young factory owners are exploring new markets and strategies, with some moving operations to Southeast Asia to mitigate tariff impacts [10][11] - Zhang Yirun, a "00后" factory manager in Vietnam, reported an influx of new orders from U.S. clients seeking alternatives to Chinese suppliers due to tariffs [10] - The younger generation is leveraging technology and online platforms to attract customers, moving away from traditional sales methods [17][19] Group 3: Operational Challenges - The ongoing trade tensions have led to increased operational challenges, including rising costs and the need for factories to adapt quickly to changing market conditions [16][22] - Naysa, involved in the seafood export business, noted a shift in the effectiveness of traditional trade shows, which are now more about maintaining visibility than securing orders [16] - The younger generation of factory owners is more service-oriented, focusing on customer needs and product improvements to retain business [19][21] Group 4: Labor Market Dynamics - The labor market in Southeast Asia is becoming increasingly competitive, with many Chinese manufacturers relocating to countries like Vietnam and Thailand [11][13] - Despite higher labor costs in China, the efficiency and quality of Chinese workers remain competitive compared to their Southeast Asian counterparts [21] - The "厂二代" are influenced by their parents' values, emphasizing the importance of providing jobs even for low-margin orders to support their workers [22]