Our History

Our company was founded in May 2001 as a web based sourcing platform called e-trade2china. Soon we recognized that we wanted to help our clients develop close relationships – especially where language, culture, and time differences are present. This prompted our move away from a simple website to a service-focused model that delivers a more personal approach.

We rapidly recognized that our clients particularly valued our network of close relationships with factories. Where language, culture, and time differences are present creating potential barriers to easy concise communication. This prompted our move away from a simple website to a service-focused model based in seven countries to deliver a more personal, innovative and agile service.

Since 2001 with a single minded  focus on delivering great service,  we have grown our company to over 250 staff in offices across seven countries. Serving publicly listed companies and start-ups.

Over the years

With a focus on service, we have grown to a company of approximately 200 staff in offices across the region and further afield, servicing publicly listed companies right through to start-ups.

Shanghai_city
2001
Founding in Shanghai, China

As a web based sourcing platform to allow clients the opportunity to leverage an emerging supply base away from the traditional Pearl River Delta manufacturing base.

london-city
2002
ET2C UK founded

ET2C International moves away from simply a web based interaction with our clients to a solution-focused model.

 

Hong Kong
2005
ET2C Hong Kong founded

Expansion to new markets, including representation in Sweden, Germany and an office in the USA.

Ho Chi Minh - Vietnam
2008
Vietnam

ET2C expands to a new sourcing market in Southeast Asia.

Bangalore
2011
India

ET2C expands to its third sourcing market.

Mexico
2014
ET2C Mexico founded

Quality control (QC) and order tracking applications launched.

istockphoto-1299572628-612x612
2018
ET2C Ecosystem established

A toolkit of essential widgets and features that will supercharge your workflow.

Turkey
2020
Turkey

Turkey office opens in Izmir. Looking for other offices in new markets.

New Sourcing Markets
2021
New Sourcing Markets

New Sourcing Market Initiative launched to add 2 more countries to enhance our supplier base.

Offices in New Delhi
2024
India New Office New Delhi

ET2C expands into new bigger offices in New Delhi

ET2C expands into new bigger offices in Shenzen supporting our continued growth.
2025
New China Shenzen Offices

ET2C expands into new bigger offices in Shenzen China

Questions About Our Journey

ET2C was founded in May 2001 in Shanghai, China, originally as a web-based sourcing platform called e-trade2china.

ET2C began as a web-based platform named e-trade2china before moving to a more service-focused model.

ET2C moved to a service-led approach to help clients build closer supplier relationships; particularly where language, cultural, and time-zone differences can create friction.

Time zones slow down approvals, updates, and issue resolution. Better processes and local support help keep decisions moving and prevent small issues becoming production problems.

ET2C expanded into Vietnam (2008) and India (2011), adding additional sourcing market coverage.

They can lead to misinterpreted specifications, inconsistent quality expectations, and delays. A relationship-focused approach reduces errors by improving clarity and alignment.

The ET2C Ecosystem was established in 2018 as a toolkit of widgets and features designed to supercharge workflow.

ET2C opened its Turkey office in Izmir in 2020.

Quality control (QC) and order tracking tools help teams monitor production progress, reduce preventable issues, and keep timelines visible—supporting more reliable delivery outcomes.

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