Xin Lang Cai Jing·2025-04-30 01:08Core Viewpoint - The furniture industry in Anji is facing challenges due to the ongoing tariff war with the United States, leading companies to consider relocating production to Vietnam to maintain competitiveness and meet customer demands [1][2][3]. Industry Overview - Anji is recognized as the "hometown of Chinese chairs," with over 1,200 chair manufacturing enterprises and 313 large-scale companies as of 2022. The annual output value of the chair industry exceeds 40 billion yuan, accounting for one-third of the domestic market and half of the national export volume [2][3]. - The chair production process involves 35-55 components, including various materials such as steel, plastic, and wood [2]. Market Dynamics - The share of exports to the U.S. is significant, with approximately 30% of Anji's orders coming from this market. However, companies are currently experiencing order suspensions due to tariff uncertainties [2][3]. - The industry has seen a decline in output value, dropping from a peak of 53 billion yuan in 2020 to around 35-38 billion yuan in recent years, partly due to competition from lower-end products produced in Hebei [2][3]. Competitive Landscape - Anji's chair industry is facing competition from regions like Guangdong and Zhejiang, where production standards vary. Guangdong's products are often more expensive, while Zhejiang's are competitively priced [3]. - There is a growing concern that the production chain may shift to Vietnam, as clients are increasingly exploring alternatives to Chinese manufacturing [3][4]. Production Challenges - Despite concerns about production efficiency in Vietnam, the younger workforce there is seen as a potential advantage. However, the supply chain in Vietnam is still developing, with certain manufacturing processes lacking [4][5]. - Companies are hesitant to invest in Vietnam due to past experiences of difficulties and uncertainties in production timelines and material availability [6]. Government Support - The local government is actively promoting export-to-domestic sales strategies and providing support for businesses to adapt to changing market conditions. This includes training programs and financial subsidies for participation in international trade events [7][8]. - However, there is skepticism about the effectiveness of transitioning to domestic sales, as the market is already dominated by established brands [8][9]. Future Outlook - The industry is exploring new markets and platforms, such as Alibaba's international trade initiatives, to reach consumers directly and improve profit margins [9][10]. - Companies like Henglin Co. have established a strong presence in international markets, which may insulate them from the impacts of the tariff war [10]. - The overall sentiment in the industry is cautious, with many companies waiting to see how the tariff situation evolves before making significant changes to their operations [11][12].