Manufacturing in South America?

[0191mark]

Can South American manufacturing equal China as a potential alternative? Hypothetically, if I wanted to sell a fairly simple plastic product in America, would it make any sense to get it manufactured and distributed from, say Mexico?

[ClassicMercs]

Have you tried checking out the UK ?

Your own country - and home to some good plastic moulders !!!!

Look at the present exchange rates. One less hassle dealing with suppliers outside your home territory.

[0191mark]

I did make a couple of preliminary enquiries with a few plastics manufacturers, although not really enough to be honest. Still at the pre-start up stage, so at the moment just trying to get an idea of comparative costs between manufacturing for export to the US, for example, from say China or Mexico and the costs here in the UK.

[Windsorphil]

I currently manufacture in China and export to USA - and have considered looking at a second production line in mexico or brazil - the costs are similar, it's only a two week crossing for goods from China to LA, so there's not much in it for time either. China is easy to work with, and well placed for other key markets. Although Mexico and Brazil don't have "Made in China" stamped on them, so that may be an advantage in some way.

[maser_spyder]

Windsorphil said:

I currently manufacture in China and export to USA - and have considered looking at a second production line in mexico or brazil - the costs are similar, it's only a two week crossing for goods from China to LA, so there's not much in it for time either. China is easy to work with, and well placed for other key markets. Although Mexico and Brazil don't have "Made in China" stamped on them, so that may be an advantage in some way.

That just about sums it all up.

Costs will be similar to the Far East, but potentially further away from other good markets.

If it's only the USA you're interested in, then it's worth a look for sure.

[0191mark]

Windsorphil said:

I currently manufacture in China and export to USA - and have considered looking at a second production line in mexico or brazil - the costs are similar, it's only a two week crossing for goods from China to LA, so there's not much in it for time either. China is easy to work with, and well placed for other key markets. Although Mexico and Brazil don't have "Made in China" stamped on them, so that may be an advantage in some way.

The two reasons I thought this would be a good idea were: a) it would be faster, and b) it would be cheaper. No point in reinventing the wheel, then.

[0191mark]

maser_spyder said:

That just about sums it all up.

Costs will be similar to the Far East, but potentially further away from other good markets.

If it's only the USA you're interested in, then it's worth a look for sure.

Well, at this stage it's all hypothetical to be honest but it's good to know that South America is an option.