Core Viewpoint - Major Chinese automotive manufacturers have collectively committed to controlling payment terms with suppliers to within 60 days, addressing long-standing issues of extended payment cycles that have affected cash flow and exposed risks in the supply chain [1][2]. Group 1: Industry Commitment - The commitment from automotive companies is seen as a positive step towards improving the overall quality of the supply chain and enhancing its resilience against potential disruptions [1]. - The revised "Regulations on Ensuring Payment to Small and Medium-sized Enterprises" effective from June 1 mandates large enterprises to pay small and medium-sized enterprises within 60 days [1][3]. Group 2: Financial Implications - Shortening payment terms may increase the interest-bearing liabilities for large manufacturers, but it could significantly reduce costs across the supply chain due to their lower financing costs compared to smaller firms [2]. - For instance, while some private enterprises face financing costs above 10%, major manufacturers can secure financing at rates below 3%, creating a 7% cost differential that can be leveraged to lower overall supply chain expenses [2]. Group 3: Need for Clarity - The automotive industry's commitment lacks a clear timeline, and companies should establish a specific schedule for implementing these changes to ensure transparency and understanding across the supply chain [3]. - There is a need for clarity on how payment terms will be calculated and the specific payment methods to be used, moving away from practices that maintain extended payment cycles [2][3]. Group 4: Broader Industry Impact - The issue of payment terms is not limited to the automotive sector but is prevalent across various industries, and the automotive sector's collective commitment could serve as a model for other sectors [3]. - Adjustments in payment policies could lead to new competitive dynamics, emphasizing cash flow, supply chain stability, and compliance as critical competitive factors [3]. Group 5: Future Industry Landscape - The competitive landscape in China is expected to evolve, with surviving companies likely to possess global competitive advantages after navigating intense competition [4]. - The expectation is that the automotive industry's commitment will contribute to a more resilient and efficient industrial ecosystem, setting a precedent for other sectors [3][4].

Core Viewpoint - The Chinese automotive industry has maintained its position as the world's largest producer and seller for 14 consecutive years, leveraging new energy vehicles to become a leader in the industry's transformation. However, thousands of small and medium-sized parts suppliers are caught in a silent "account period war" due to long payment cycles from major manufacturers [1][2]. Group 1: Long Payment Terms - Major manufacturers are extending payment terms, pushing many suppliers to the brink of financial collapse. The average accounts payable turnover days for listed automotive companies in China reached 156 days in 2022, with some exceeding 200 days, while German and Japanese companies typically keep it under 60 days [14]. - The long payment terms are a financial strategy where manufacturers transfer their financial pressure onto the supply chain, leading to significant cash flow issues for suppliers [5][14]. - Suppliers often face a payment cycle of at least 10 months, which includes a minimum of 2 months for material procurement and production, followed by several months of waiting for payment [6]. Group 2: Impact on Small and Medium Enterprises - Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are particularly vulnerable, with many unable to survive due to long payment cycles. Cases of companies going bankrupt due to unpaid debts are increasingly common [9]. - SMEs often have to prepay for materials while facing long receivable periods from their customers, creating a severe cash flow crunch [8][9]. - The recent revision of the "Regulations on Ensuring Payment to Small and Medium Enterprises" offers some hope, but many remain skeptical about its enforcement [3][9]. Group 3: Comparison with Foreign Enterprises - Foreign enterprises generally offer better payment terms, with upfront payments ranging from 30% to 60%, and the remaining balance settled within 1 to 2 months [12]. - Domestic enterprises, in contrast, often have complex payment structures that lead to delayed payments, making it difficult for suppliers to manage cash flow effectively [11][12]. - The disparity in payment practices between domestic and foreign companies highlights the challenges faced by SMEs in the Chinese automotive supply chain [10][12]. Group 4: Need for Regulatory Enforcement - There is a call for stricter enforcement of regulations to protect SMEs from long payment terms and to ensure that large enterprises are held accountable for their payment practices [9][14]. - The low cost of violating payment regulations and the lack of accountability for large enterprises contribute to the ongoing issues within the supply chain [14]. - Establishing innovative supply chain financing mechanisms, such as reverse factoring, could provide a potential solution to alleviate cash flow pressures on suppliers [14].