The last word

No more Chinas

I am sure it is not news to anyone that a lot of changes are happening in the world and no one can tell for sure where it will all lead. I was recently talking to one of our suppliers. We used to sell their knitting software in the KnitNet online store. They no longer make software, but they are doing very well distributing knitting needles imported from China. Instead of living from only the sweat of their own brows, they are earning a living from the sweat of Chinese brows — as are the Chinese and many other manufacturers.

Now, I know that these are tough economic times and I don't criticize anyone for doing what ever they have to do. In fact, I know that almost everything we buy is made in China, simply because labour is cheaper there and we like cheap goods.

It seems to me, however, that this approach is very short-sighted. This can't go on forever. Some day soon, we will run out of Chinas and Koreas and Japans and Mexicos — places where labour is — or used to be — cheaper. As the standard of living rises in these countries, even the lowest wages will inevitably rise. There will be nowhere left in the world where low wages will subsidize our desire for cheap goods. Here, there will be no jobs left to pay us enough to buy goods produced by workers earning decent wages. We will run out of our supply of cheap goods and will have lost the ability to manufacture for ourselves.

In the end, it may well be a good thing — their income rises, ours falls — more equitable for everyone.

Comments

Here's the problem with "No More China's."
Most customers are buying on price point. Period.
Same argument applies to the wonderful eco knits - they are wonderful, provide a decent standard of living for people and most often, do not involve chemicals. However, more expensive.
I repeat. Most customers buy on price point.
I wish they were not; i follow your argument and applaud your thinking. I have wonderful Eco yarns and bamboo needles from Japan and Addi's and, well, you name it. But i also have Chiagoo's from China. I resisted, but i caved.
I repeat ... well, you get it.
Just found your online mag - think it's great!

I agree with your article, but I think N. Americans have already lost the ability to manufacture for themselves years ago, with the closure of so many factories, starting with Detroit. Of course, consumers are mostly to blame. I live in Canada, and in the knitting shops there are $3 Chinese-made Hiya-Hiya needles on sale next to the $16 German-made Gold plated Addi Turbos, next to the $3 Indian-made Pony brand. In this stagnant economy, when so many are out of work, it’s no question which brand most will reach for.
Most of my needles are old, hand-me-downs, and mid-priced Susan Bates (Mexican made) or British made Aeros. I can’t afford Addis and I boycott the Chinese and Indian made ones on principle.
All knitters should avoid buying goods where the workers are paid with slave wages, and human rights violations are rampant. Negative consumer reaction will cause the manufacturers to sit up and take notice, because all corporations care about is their bottom line. If they see red ink, they will improve working conditions until sales pick up. Then again, maybe I’m just being idealistic.

If you have any comments, you can also — email me!

— Dougal

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