coronavirus Archives - ET2C International

COVID Update – China Market

Industry Insights / / , ,

Coronavirus China news ET2C Int. Sourcing Procurement

 

15th March 2022

With Covid cases now on the rise in China (3,500 plus cases reported yesterday), the Chinese authorities have taken measures to contain the outbreaks in line with their Covid Zero strategy.

Over the past two years, this has been targeted to outbreaks and largely localised as a result.
Outbreaks have now been reported within large cities, including Shanghai, Shenzhen, Changchun and other key manufacturing centres.

As at last Sunday, the city of Shenzhen (17.5 million people) went into lockdown for one week so that all residents would undergo three rounds of testing. Shanghai has also locked down certain business districts as well as residential blocks to undergo targeted testing.

At this stage, there are no Port shutdowns, but inevitably there will be staff shortages or other related disruption that feeds into supply chains and the movement of goods to port both in the Southern Ports near Shenzhen and also Shanghai. Similarly, we would anticipate disruption to Manufacturers to the extent that they are within the targeted areas. It does remain the case that COVID protocols are in place in most factories, which will serve to slow the spread.

Due to these measures, ET2C’s offices both in Shanghai and Shenzhen have been temporarily closed for this week (14th to 20th March), but teams are working from home and we do not expect any impact to our service levels.
Should you have your own enquiries, please contact your relevant account manager or at our email, contact@et2cint.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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Face Mask – WHO Releases New Guidelines

Industry Insights / / , , ,

As part of our series on PPE and COVID-19, we wanted to take the opportunity to update you on the latest advice around the use of the face mask. The World Health Organization has issued new guidelines for face masks amid the COVID-19 pandemic, suggesting that they should be used in more situations than previously advised. Specifically, the WHO updated its guidance on the use of masks in areas with community transmission. Some of the key take-outs from this latest update in the battle against this pandemic are:

1. All the people working in clinical areas of a health facility should wear a medical face mask. This means not only workers dealing with patients with COVID-19, but the whole staff; and
2. Governments should encourage the general public to wear masks where there is widespread transmission and physical distancing is difficult. Such situations include, for example, forms of public transport and certain shops.

Masks London Subway ET2C covid19 coronavirus
photo credit: Étienne Godiard

Furthermore, their updated guidance contains additional information about fabric masks, based on new academic research that has recently been published.

Face Mask – how to wear it: Do’s and Don’ts

As a number of countries are now emerging from their respective lockdowns, it is important to understand the do’s and don’ts of wearing non-medical fabric face masks in order to make them effective and continue preventing the coronavirus.

Importantly, masks should only be used by one person and should not be shared. You should change a visibly soiled mask and shouldn’t wear a wet mask for an extended period of time.
Also, you should wash frequently the non-medical masks and handle them carefully. In this way, you will avoid contaminating other items.

WHO World Health Organization coronavirus Face Masks ET2C Int.
WHO has updated its guidance on the use of face masks in areas with community transmission.

Materials

The WHO clarifies that the material selection is an important first-step as filtration and breathability vary depending on the fabric. Also, filtration efficiency depends on the tightness of the weave, fibre or thread diameter, and, in the case of nonwoven materials, the manufacturing process.
The choice of the right material is essential because depending on the fabric used, filtration efficiency and breathability can complement or work against one another.

Number of Layers

According to the WHO guidelines, non-medical masks should present a minimum of three layers, depending on the fabric used.
In particular, the ideal combination of material for non-medical masks should include three layers as follows:
1) an innermost layer of a hydrophilic material (e.g. cotton or cotton blends);
2) an outermost layer made of hydrophobic material (e.g., polypropylene, polyester, or their blends) which may limit external contamination from penetration through to the wearer’s nose and mouth;
3) a middle hydrophobic layer of synthetic non-woven material such as polypropylene or a cotton layer which may enhance filtration or retain droplets.

Face masks – enough to prevent the contagion?

The World Health Organization is really clear about this. Face masks can protect others around you. However, remember that masks alone can’t protect you from COVID-19. To prevent the spread of the virus, you have to maintain at least one metre distance from others (this varies by Government) and wash your hands regularly and thoroughly, even when you are wearing a face mask, claims the WHO.

United Nations coronavirus prevention covid19
photo credit: How To Wash Your Hands. Image created by Olivia Charles. Submitted for United Nations Global Call Out To Creatives – help stop the spread of COVID-19.

Looking for Cotton Masks? We can help!

We are currently working with our partners in Vietnam to provide a range of Cloth Face Masks to meet the world’s needs and to combat this deadly virus. In addition, we have other medical products from disposable masks, protective gloves, face shields, hand-sanitizers, medical suits, gowns, and more. Obviously, as lockdowns are lifted, demand has transitioned into more sustainable supply in key products. For all enquiries, please contact us for more information at coronasupplies@et2cint.com .

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Fast Fashion – the impact of Coronavirus: a Sustainable Future

Industry Insights / / , , , ,

Fast Fashion coronavirus sustainability covid19

 

The coronavirus pandemic has firmly cast the spotlight on the fashion industry. As countries and markets have gone into lockdown worldwide, the fashion industry from trade shows to retailers has been impacted.

Digital platforms have become the norm now across many aspects of our daily lives. Even fashion shows in Shanghai, Tokyo and Moscow all followed suit and went digital. Some of the upcoming collections at the largest fashion capitals might be projected through a screen in this new Covid-existence.

The impact on fast fashion

Likewise, the global pandemic had a dramatic impact on fast fashion at a retail level. Consumption has declined as stores have been shuttered. Consumers have thought twice about buying clothes given the limit to the amount of socializing we have been experiencing.

Undoubtedly, we are reconsidering our past behaviours; how we spend our money. We have discussed before the impact that the fashion industry has on the environment, but has this pandemic accelerated this change?

store boutique shop sustainable sustainability

A Shifting Manufacturing Landscape

One glaring point this pandemic has highlighted as markets went into lockdown was the dramatic and visible drop in greenhouse gases as factories were forced to shut their gates (appreciate this is not solely to do with manufacturing, or the garment sector specifically, but still serves to make the point). The United Nationals Alliance for Sustainable Fashion estimates that the fashion industry accounts for 8-10% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. We can visibly see our impact as consumers on the environment across global media outlets.

Challenges or opportunities?

From a product perspective, if one looks back up the supply chain, the Garment industry since the 1970s has largely been manufacturing where cheap labour can be found. Western Brands looked to scale their offering using low cost labour. These markets, the manufacturers and (importantly) their workers now sit idle. We have previously used the example of Bangladesh. Its garment manufacturing industry (84% of all exports) decimated during this pandemic. This demand shock has caused an economic tsunami. Can some of the medium size operators continue to survive? Will they want to take on orders for clients that caused them significant financial losses? The likely outcome, in the absence of any consequential local Government intervention in these Asian markets, is consolidation across the garment manufacturing sector. It may be therefore that with less competition and greater power with the suppliers (around client selection) costs start on an upward trend.

Fast Fashion & The Consumer

The process of making one cotton shirt emits approximately 5 kilograms of carbon dioxide and 1,750 litres of water. The vast majority of consumers are not aware of this nor would it have any impact on past buying decisions. Price has always been a key element of any purchasing decision. But it also impacts how a particular garment is treated in the future. When a shirt costs $5, it is quickly seen as disposable. This combined with the Fast Fashion industry that sells billions of garments each year to provide their consumers with the latest trends from the fanfare and glamour of the catwalks, promotes the idea that clothes are disposable and encourage excessive waste.

fast fashion sales coronavirus covid19 sustainability

Sustainability and more sustainable behaviour have been forced in front of even the most unwilling consumers. We know that Sustainability comes at a cost and this has long been the balance that Brands have struggled to manage. And with each step back to normality, consumer mindsets and shopping habits will change.

A Sustainable Future

This pandemic, for all the pain and suffering, has potentially put the breaks on the beast of consumerism, which has been guzzling up the world’s resources at an unsustainable rate over the past 30 years. This is not to say that Fashion does not have a future. Certainly, we have always looked to express ourselves and clothing is fundamental to this. But, perhaps this has given fashion retailers the opportunity they needed to invest more in sustainable (more expensive) practices like upcycling and the use of more sustainable materials such as Pinatex (made from waste Pineapple leaf). Sustainability reports are already a central part of large retailers’ annual reports and one would now expect some of their ambitions to be accelerated.

sustainability sustainable fibers ET2C coronavirus fashion

Help from the Fashion Industry

Whilst we wait for lockdowns to be relaxed, it is notable that fashion houses and retailers are doing their bit to help prevent the spread of this virus. Prophetically, Burberry already had face masks on their catwalk towards the end of 2019, but the face mask has begun integrating itself into mainstream culture. Also, a lot of fashion houses are now making and selling versions of cloth masks for this new Covid-19 reality. Let’s hope that this is not a trend that needs to remain for the long term.

At ET2C, we are here to help our clients across multiple categories and markets. For example, we are currently producing a range of Cloth Masks to meet the world’s needs and to combat this deadly virus. For all enquiries, please contact us for more information at contact@et2cint.com.

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Face Mask, stay safe and protect the environment

Industry Insights / / , ,

Face Mask, coronavirus covid19 mask

Over the past 4 months there have been a number of conflicting opinions on whether face masks can prevent the new covid-19 virus from transmitting from one person to another. Inevitably though, with an abundance of caution, many governments have changed their guidelines and regulations on the use of the face mask and made them a key part of their post ‘lockdown’ strategies.

At the time of writing, more than 50 countries require people to cover their faces when they leave their home. For example, the French Government, who originally declared that masks were “unnecessary” this week has made it mandatory to wear them on public transport and in secondary schools and is distributing masks through supermarkets and pharmacies. Likewise, the Hong Kong Government has provided a free cloth mask for all permanent residents as part of their strategy.

Disposable Masks: a threat for the environment?

Of course, this conflict in public health advice is confusing for the public. Moreover, many are also concerned by the impact that this Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) could have on the environment. Most face masks available for sale are made from layers of non-woven material and are designed to be for single-use. Undoubtedly, with large volumes of PPE, one output of this pandemic will likely be a large amount of PPE that has been disposed of over the last couple of months. Certainly, this represents a serious threat to the environment.

A recent report published by the UCL Plastic Waste Innovation Hub reveals that if, for example, every person in the UK used one single-use face mask each day for a year, it would create 66,000 tonnes of contaminated plastic waste, and ten times more climate change impact than using reusable masks.
Obviously, medical and other healthcare providers have to use disposable masks for safety reasons.
In order to reserve these critical supplies for healthcare works, many Governments and health organisations, are recommending people to wear cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.
This represents for sure a more environmentally-friendly option, since the fabric masks are washable and reusable.

Fabric Masks: are they all the same?

It’s important to remember that the protective masks are not all the same. Different types of mask offer different levels of protection.

In particular, the homemade masks that don’t include any particular filter are not so effective. Already in 2013, a research by the Public Health England demonstrated that the surgical mask blocks the transmission 3 times more than the homemade mask. We are currently working with our partners across Asia to provide a range of Cloth Masks that could represent a more sustainable choice compared to disposable products, while assuring some additional protection from further contagion.

Cloth Masks from Vietnam: more sustainable and safe.

If you want to choose a sustainable alternative to surgical masks, without sacrificing efficiency in terms of protection, these cloth masks are a great option for you.

3-PLY Droplet Resistant Antibacterial Masks

You can wash and dry for reuse this 100% cotton face mask.
The 3 integrated layers offer a great protection against airborne particles and droplets containing viruses and bacteria. They are comfortable and enable a normal breathing.

3 PLY nano silver technology vietnam

Nano Silver Masks

These 100% Cotton maks are washable and present 3 integrated layers.
In particular, the one in the middle is treated with Silver Nano technology that works as a safety filter. In fact, it eliminates small particles of bacteria that pass through the outer layer of the mask.

Nano Silver technology is an antimicrobial colloid composed of silver nanoparticles stabilized by a polymer that exhibits excellent antimicrobial efficacy across a wide spectrum of microorganisms.
While Silver inhibits the oxygen exchange in bacteria and kills it, this technology enhances that effect even more.

face mask fabric cotton cloth vietnam

 

3 Layers Antibacterial Masks

The external layer includes both cotton and polyester, and the antibacterial and nanomesh layers assure high levels of protection. This mask is washable up to 30 times without losing the antibacterial proprieties.

Antibacterial cloth fabric

Antibacterial Face Mask

The nose adjustable clip helps keep the mask fit to the face. Anti – UV and water resistant, the internal layers are dust-proof and antibacterial, blocking 99,98% of bacteria. There are two size available: S for kids and M for adults. This product is washable and keeps its antibacterial proprieties in the first 30 washes. However, hand washed or delicate machine wash are preferred to prevent any damage to the original shape.

face Mask antibacterial cloth cotton Vietnam

Looking for Cotton Masks? We can help!

We are currently working with our partners in Vietnam to provide a range of Face Masks to meet the world’s needs and to combat this deadly virus. In addition, we have other medical products from disposable masks, protective gloves, face shields, hand sanitizers, medical suits, gowns and other products to meet the current need for medical products on ‘frontlines’ across the world. From a sourcing perspective, the current regulatory landscape in China is very complex for these products. Please make sure if you are buying direct, you are doing the appropriate due diligence and checks. For all enquiries, please contact us for more information at coronasupplies@et2cint.com .

Disclaimer. According to the World Health Organisation, masks alone will not prevent people from catching the coronavirus. Remember to use them in combination with normal hygiene methods, such as handwashing with soap and water.

 

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Hand in glove to prevent the virus

Industry Insights / / , , ,

Hand in glove to prevent the virus protective gloves covid covid19 coronavirus

As the coronavirus continues its spread, the entire world is facing acute shortages of materials like masks, hand-sanitizers and ventilators.

To tackle the difficult situation, many industries are developing new supply-chain strategies and management practices. The primary goal is to urgently optimize scarce resources, alleviate shortages, and expand capacity quickly.

Governments and health organizations are providing new regulations and guidelines, which change rapidly to front a scenario in continuous evolution.

During this unpredictable time, contradictory information is spreading confusion amongst people that do not understand the best practices to prevent further contagion.

Does Wearing Gloves Help Prevent Coronavirus?

Gloves are certainly useful. However, as for face masks, they are not a perfect form of barrier protection for those hoping to avoid germs in public places. On the other hand, in many cases wearing gloves is necessary if not paramount for certain jobs. For example healthcare workers and workers in the food and beverage industry, gloves are already required for their daily activities.

gloves virus covid covid19 coronavirus

Just like face masks, gloves remind you not to touch your face and avoid the exposure of the skin to bacteria. Unfortunately, one of the most common mistakes when wearing the gloves is believing that you are invincible, like Mario Bros when jumping on a superstar. In other words, wearing gloves might provide a false sense of security.

Of course, transmission via respiratory droplets is the most common way to spread Covid-19. In addition, the virus can be transmitted to people also from certain contaminated surfaces. Consequently, gloves are useful as a layer of protection against germs that you may have come into contact with. However, it is important to understand that anything you touch with your gloves could technically be contaminated too. Then, you might transfer germs to any and all surfaces they touch.

To avoid this, it’s necessary to wash always your hands immediately after removing your gloves, or in alternative use a hand sanitizer.

protective gloves virus coronavirus covid19 face masks surgical
How can I properly take gloves off?

As with masks, how you remove your gloves is an integral part of preventing any cross-contamination. To stay safe, it is important to take extra care when taking your gloves off.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) set a step-by-step guide to help with this process:

  1. Grasp the outside of one glove at the wrist. Do not touch your bare skin.
  2. Peel the glove away from your body, pulling it inside out.
  3. Hold the glove you just removed in your gloved hand.
  4. Peel off the second glove by putting your fingers inside the glove at the top of your wrist.
  5. Turn the second glove inside out while pulling it away from your body, leaving the first glove inside the second.
  6. Dispose of the gloves safely. Do not reuse the glove.
  7. Clean your hands immediately after removing gloves.

remove gloves virus hands coronavirus covid19

Are Protective Gloves all the Same?

There are several types of gloves commonly used to help prevent the contagion of the virus.

Nitrile Gloves

Nitrile gloves are a type of disposable glove made from synthetic rubber, and are an ideal alternative when latex allergies are of concern. They offer superior strength, dexterity and resistance to oils and aqueous chemicals in comparison to vinyl or latex. Also are the best when it comes to puncture resistance. For these reasons, they are often used in the medical, laboratory and manufacturing industries.

Latex Gloves

Latex Gloves are a made of natural rubber latex, they are the most flexible and resilient with a consistent fit. Since they represent a great barrier protection against infection and contamination, latex gloves are a popular choice of protective glove for medical or industrial use. When allergy to this material is not a concern, latex does have a slight advantage with comfort and dexterity over nitrile gloves.

Vinyl Gloves

Vinyl gloves are a type of disposable glove, made from a synthetic material: PVC. Vinyl is less elastic than nitrile and latex, giving it a looser fit and smooth, comfortable feel. Vinyl gloves are a good multi-purpose glove for general use and activities that do not require the highest degree of tactile precision. In particular, these gloves are often used in the food and manufacturing industry.

Polythene Disposable Gloves

Polythene disposable gloves are used to offer basic protection from dust and dirt.
They are thin, offer excellent dexterity and are highly economical, ideal for situations where a degree of protection is required but not necessary (cleaning, catering, petrol stations).

For the general public, it is important that such disposable gloves are prioritized for the front line and health care workers that need this equipment. Using other types of gloves and making sure that you are constantly washing your hands and maintaining good hygiene are important steps to prevent further infection.

Are you looking for Protective Gloves or other Medical Supplies?

We are currently working with our partners to provide a range of protective gloves and other medical products face masks, face shields, hand sanitizers, medical suits, gowns and goggles to meet your needs. Please contact us for more information at coronasupplies@et2cint.com .

covid19 coronavirus medical supplies goggles sanitizers

Click here to download our Medical Supplies Offering.

Disclaimer. According to the World Health Organization, the use alone of rubber gloves in public will not prevent from catching the coronavirus, and must be used in combination with normal hygiene methods, such as handwashing with soap and water.

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Cloth Face Masks – a sustainable choice

Industry Insights / / , ,

Cloth Face Masks Cotton Covid19 Coronavirus

With the spread of the coronavirus worldwide, the consumption of disposable face masks has seen an incredible spike.
Whilst wearing a mask had previously only been recommended to those that already showed symptoms, the situation has now changed. In fact, there is increasing evidence that the Covid-19 can be spread by pre-symptomatic and asymptomatic carriers. For this reason, many Governments and health organisations , like the CDC, are recommending people consider wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.

Is it always better to wear a mask?

Although there is still much to be learned about the novel coronavirus, it appears that many people who are infected are shedding the virus – through coughs, sneezes and other respiratory droplets – for 48 hours before they start feeling sick. And others who have the virus – up to 25%, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Robert Redfield — may never feel symptoms but may still play a role in transmitting it.
That’s why wearing a mask even if you don’t feel sick can be advisable for the general population.

Are there sustainable alternatives?

Now that everyone is concerned about protective equipment to stay safe, face masks are a must to prevent the contagion.
However, some consumers criticized the use of disposable masks because this does not represent an environmentally-friendly choice.
Are there sustainable alternatives for those who do not want to use surgical masks or respirators?
Can these consumers opt for masks that they can use again and stay safe?

Cloth Face Masks

Cloth Face Masks are certainly a sustainable option.
Conventional fabrics like cotton block liquid droplets and can provide incremental protection against airborne particles. Obviously, those in constant contact with people affected by the virus have to use disposable masks for safety reasons. But in certain circumstances, the use of a cloth mask can be a sustainable choice from a waste perspective as well as help alleviate the current medical supply shortage.
Moreover, cloth masks are washable, reusable and recyclable. A perfect choice for many consumers that care for sustainably.

Help from the Fashion Industry

Although this industry, in particular, is significantly impacted by the lockdowns across multiple continents – given people are not going out and will likely have less disposable income – the fashion world is working to aid healthcare workers in the battle against the coronavirus.
Recently, a number of fashion companies announced that they would pivot and use their workforce to produce personal protective equipment.

Fashion Face mask

Gucci

Gucci is set to manufacture 1.1 million face masks to aid Italy amid the country’s shortage of medical supplies.

Armani

The Armani Group announced that it has converted all of its production sites in Italy to produce hospital gowns.

LVMH

The luxury conglomerate LVMH, which owns several fashion houses including Christian Dior, Fendi, Givenchy, Louis Vuitton and Marc Jacobs, announced to use its global distribution network to provide more than 40 million masks in the coming weeks.

Brooks Brothers

Their factories in NY, North Carolina and Massachusetts will pivot from making ties, shirts and suits to manufacturing masks and gowns. The company expects to produce 150,000 masks per day.

In addition to the famous brand knitting cloth masks, a lot of labels are recycling fabrics from past collections to make sustainable cotton masks.

Cloth Masks – are they effective against coronavirus?

In Vietnam, several textiles businesses are dedicating the production to antibacterial masks.
In particular, our suppliers are developing 3-PLY Droplet Resistant Antibacterial Masks and Nano Silver Antibacterial Masks to help combat the virus.

3-PLY Droplet Resistant Antibacterial Masks.

These masks are made of 100% cotton and can be washed and dried for reuse.
The 3 integrated layers offer a great protection against airborne particles and droplets containing viruses and bacteria.
They are comfortable and enable a normal breathing.

CLOTH FACE MASK COTTON CORONAVIRUS 3PLY

Nano Silver Masks.

Made of washable 100% Cotton, these masks are composed by 3 integrated layers.
In particular, the one in the middle is treated with Silver Nano technology that works as a safety filter. In fact, it eliminates small particles of bacteria that pass through the outer layer of the mask.

Nano Silver technology is an antimicrobial colloid composed of silver nanoparticles stabilized by a polymer that exhibits excellent antimicrobial efficacy across a wide spectrum of microorganisms.
While Silver inhibits the oxygen exchange in bacteria and kills it, this technology has been demonstrated to enhance that effect.

CLOTH FACE MASK COTTON CORONAVIRUS 3PLY NANO SILVER TECHNOLOGY

Looking for Cotton Masks? We can help!

We are currently working with our partners in Vietnam to provide a range of Cloth Masks to meet the world’s needs and to combat this deadly virus. In addition, we have other medical products from disposable masks, protective gloves, face shields, hand sanitizers, medical suits, gowns and other products to meet your needs. From a sourcing perspective, the current regulatory landscape in China is very complex on these products so please make sure if you are buying direct, you are doing the appropriate due diligence and checks. For all enquiries, please contact us for more information at coronasupplies@et2cint.com .

Disclaimer. According to the World Health Organisation, masks alone will not prevent people from catching the coronavirus, and must be used in combination with normal hygiene methods, such as handwashing with soap and water.

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Asia Sourcing in the “Corona-Age”

Industry Insights / / , ,

Asia Sourcing Coronavirus surgical masks

 

Asia Sourcing in unprecedented times

Half the world is on lock-down. Countries and economies are on ‘pause’. Cities, towns and villages are all empty as people remain indoors. These truly are unprecedented times.

Clearly the impact on Consumerism is, and will continue to be, significant and for how much longer? The past two decades have seen the emergence of an increasingly voracious ‘consumer’ riding largely on the growth of the Asian outsource manufacturing sector. Retailers and brands have leveraged this low cost manufacturing model and given consumers more choice, more flexibility and more channels to buy through than ever before. Now these consumers are having to re-think their past behaviour and in fact the very fabrics of their daily lives. It is very likely that this global shock will change how people see their existence and what they value.

Impact on the Export Manufacturing Sector

There will be ‘Winners’ and ‘Losers’ on the other side of this pandemic. We want to look at this in the context of Asian sourcing and what this means for the export-manufacturing sector.

The Economics

China has already had its ‘Covid-19’ moment and is already talking of a V-shaped recovery after the shutdown of its economy over Chinese New Year – to the point that the Canton Fair has only just been ‘postponed’ in the past week. Factories were all mothballed as workers had to remain at home rather than begin their migration back to work (notably there are still some 300 million migrant workers in China). Well, they have now returned to find the outbreak that started in the back streets of Wuhan has created an economic tsunami that is fast making it’s way back across the oceans and seas from Western shores.

Having already suffered over the period, these suppliers now face a global demand shock. The impact of this, albeit hopefully only over a short period, could be significant for certain suppliers. Notably, there has not been anywhere near the magnitude of Government support (at the time of writing).

The Response

One sector that is particularly at risk is the fashion industry and more specifically garment manufacturers. This is one manufacturing sector that is truly widespread across not only Asia due to the low barriers to entry and the reliance on cheap labour. The global fashion retail sector (apparel only) has a retail value of $1.4 trillion. This is the equivalent to each person spending just over $200 each for the year. The UK’s fashion retail sector has annual sales of £53.8 billion as part of this.

Asia Sourcing Coronavirus fashion catwalk

In any crisis of such magnitude, the initial reaction is to look after yourself. The same applies to companies and looking after and protecting the business for the future. Tough decisions are inevitable, particularly when sales take double-digit hits. They will ultimately set the tone for future relationships in what is possibly going to be a different business landscape. These decisions will define certain brands for years to come.

Industry Insight

Back in the 1970s, retailers began shifting production to the Far East, leveraging the low costs to expand volumes. Now there are many examples of retailers and brands of simply pushing their issues back up the supply chains. The tragedy is that these Asian suppliers have in the main not had any Government support. They have committed their own resources into raw material and labour and are now ‘left holding the baby’. As reported by The Times, in Bangladesh, where clothing makes up 84% of the country’s $40.5 billion exports, some 954 factories have seen order for 823 million garments ($2.7billion) cancelled according to the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers & Exporters Association (BGMEA). Consequentially, the Government are stepping in to cover one month’s wages for 4.1 million workers. However, this is little consolation for an industry and a country that has allowed large Retailers and online stores to generate significant wealth for their shareholders.

Asia Sourcing Coronavirus

The importance of Partnerships

For a number of companies who preach ‘business ethics’, ‘ethical sourcing’ and ‘sustainability’ and have simply cancelled orders, shame on you! The same applies to retailers who have used the opportunity to negotiate significant discounts as suppliers cower on their knees. It is likely that such retailers and brands find scant support to restock or develop new ranges once the world has recovered from this Pandemic.

Of course, a lot of Retailers and Brands have looked to find commercial routes through this crisis, but we have been encouraged by the commitment, transparency and fairness by the actions of a number of companies. Their mindset has been much holistic and looked at the importance of partnerships across their supply chains, even to the point of appreciating the impact the financial consequences will have at a worker level. It will be these companies that will (and should) prosper in the future. Hopefully, from an Asian sourcing perspective, the scars of this virus will stand as a reminder to how suppliers have been treated.

The key points to remember during this period are therefore:

  • Partnerships

Developing relationships has always been an important part of sourcing from Asia. They take time to build and it is possible to get significant benefit from suppliers that are treated as true partners over the medium to long term.

  • Ethics

If you preach ethics to your consumer, investors and wider stakeholders, then you need to be practicing it. This is an area that is becoming increasingly important at shareholder level as well. We are not suggesting that tough decisions are not to be made, but rather than need to be fair and take into account a broader range of interests.

  • Sustainability

Inevitably, during this pandemic, people have had more time to think. More time with family. More time to themselves. One possible outcome may be for the ‘consumer’ to reassess the way that they have spent money in the past. Perhaps look to spend more sustainably in the future whether it be on sustainable businesses, sustainable products or just in their broader behaviour.

Asia Sourcing Coronavirus Partnership

Summary

We are in unprecedented times, and certainly there will be change on the back of this global crisis. Think through the broader impact of the business decisions that you make. Focus not just on the short-term (appreciate that will likely be the focus) but on the medium to long term. There will be ‘winners’ and ‘losers’. An important part of this will be the suppliers (“partners”) willing to work with you in the future.

At ET2C, we are well placed to help manage your Asia Sourcing across multiple markets. We can help you through this difficult period at a time of heightened risk. Should have any queries on Asia sourcing, or more specifically China sourcing, Vietnam sourcing and India sourcing, please contact us at contact@et2cint.com.

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Coronavirus. When the Mask is a Must.

Industry Insights / / , ,

Face Maks N95 coronavirus

Those who live in Asia or have traveled there are already familiar with facial masks.
Mainly used to reduce the chance of spreading airborne diseases and to prevent the breathing in of airborne dust particles created by air pollution, in Japan and Taiwan, it is common to see these masks worn during the flu season, as a show of consideration for others and social responsibility.

With the rapid spread of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, the entire world is now concerned about personal protective equipment to stay safe. Consequentially, face masks became the most common tool to prevent further contagion.

It is difficult to say what the best mask is to help protect against a viral infection.
Certainly, disposable face masks block large particles from entering your mouth, while more tight-fitting N95 respirator masks are far more effective at shielding you from airborne illnesses.

Coronavirus surgical face masks mask
Artwork: @biogirlmj

Surgical Masks

Surgical masks, also referred to as ‘face masks’, create a physical barrier between the mouth and nose of the wearer and potential contaminants in the immediate environment.
They are commonly used by health professionals during surgeries and other health care procedures to catch microorganisms in liquid droplets and aerosols from the wearer’s mouth and nose.
Surgical masks are made in different thicknesses and with different ability to protect you from contact with liquids. These properties may also affect how easily you can breathe through the face mask and how well the surgical mask protects you. Obviously, the best would be to use a thick-enough mask without compromising its breathability.

If worn properly, a surgical mask is meant to help block large-particle droplets, splashes, sprays, or splatter that may contain germs (viruses and bacteria), keeping it from reaching your mouth and nose. Surgical masks may also help reduce exposure of your saliva and respiratory secretions to others.
However, because of its design, it might not filter or block very small particles in the air that may be transmitted by coughs, sneezes, or certain medical procedures.
With no doubt, surgical masks are more affordable than other models. However, they have to be changed frequently to avoid the spread of viruses and bacteria.

N95 Masks

Also known as ‘Particulate Respirator’, these masks take the name ‘N95’ because they can prevent from 95 percent of tiny non-oil based particles in the atmosphere, like dust, pollen, mold spores, and other dangers while working or going around.
Those with the adjustable nose clip provide a custom fit and secure seal, avoiding that the mask sleeps off. For this reason, they are considered more efficient than the common face masks.
N-Series respirators have a non-specific service life, and can be used as long as the mask is not damaged or breathing resistances are not detected. However, it is strongly recommended to change them often, in order to prevent from the spread of viruses and bacteria.

N95 face masks mask coronavirus
Artwork : biogirlmj

WHO – When and how to use face masks?

The World Health Organization shared some important advice to the public in order to explain the best practices for the use of the mask.

When to use the mask:

  • If you are healthy, you only need to wear a mask if you are taking care of a person with suspected 2019-nCoV infection.
  • Wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing.
  • Masks are effective only when used in combination with frequent hand-cleaning with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
  • If you wear a mask, then you must know how to use it and dispose of it properly.

How to use the mask:

  • Before putting on a mask, clean hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
  • Cover mouth and nose with mask and make sure there are no gaps between your face and the mask.
    Avoid touching the mask while using it; if you do, clean your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
  • Replace the mask with a new one as soon as it is damp and do not re-use single-use masks.
  • To remove the mask: remove it from behind (do not touch the front of mask); discard immediately in a closed bin; clean hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.

Are you looking for masks or other medical products?

We are currently working with our partners to provide a range of masks to meet the world’s needs and to combat this deadly virus. We have available 3 Ply, KN95, N95 and FFP2 masks with CE and FDA certifications.
In addition, we have other medical products from protective gloves, face shields, hand sanitizers, medical suits, gowns and goggles to meet your needs. Please contact us for more information at coronasupplies@et2cint.com .

covid19 coronavirus medical supplies goggles sanitizersClick here to download our Medical Supplies Offering.

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Coronavirus. ET2C’s Office to Re-open on 16th March 2020 

Company News / / , ,

novel coronavirus

 

13th March 2020

ET2C’s Office to ‘Officially’ Re-open on 16th March 2020

Further to the outbreak of the Covid-19 Virus over Chinese New Year, and the subsequent implementation of ET2C’s contingency plan for our Chinese based offices, we have now taken the decision to officially re-open our office sites across China.
Reviewing the data available, it appears that the outbreak has stabilised sufficiently to allow staff to return to our office sites. We do anticipate additional preventative measures to be in place for the foreseeable future.

At the time of writing, there are active cases in the following provinces/Cities:
• Guangdong – Of 1,356 cases confirmed, there are now only 59 active cases
• Shanghai – Of 344 cases confirmed, there are now only 20 active cases
• Fujian – Of 296 cases confirmed, there are now no active cases
• Zhejiang – Of 1,215 cases confirmed, there are now only 17 active cases
We thank all our clients for their patience over this period. Should there be any changes or updates that alter any of the above, we will notify you immediately. If you have your own enquiries, please contact your relevant account manager or at our usual contact addresses.

Canton Fair Spring 2020

It has been announced that the Fair will go ahead despite the backdrop of the now global pandemic of the Coronavirus. China’s premier has said, “Against the backdrop of foreign trade and foreign investment being hit hard by the epidemic, the spring session of the fair will have a particularly significance”.
There does seem to be some precedent for this. Although the spring session attracted some 200,000 buyers from 200 countries last year (top buyers were from Hong Kong, India, US, South Korea and Thailand), post SARS when the event was also put on in 2003, there were 23,128 buyers from 167 countries without a single case of infection.
Given the likely restrictions in place for foreign travellers at for this season, should you wish ET2C to attend for you in any capacity, please contact us.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Coronavirus. ET2C’s Office to Re-open on 16th March 2020  Read More »

Asia Sourcing in Flux – Coronavirus, Asia & Beyond

Industry Insights / / , ,

Asia Sourcing Coronavirus ET2C

 

Introduction

The eyes of the world are watching the daily updates as the virus spreads. Context has left the building (seasonal influenza appears to be more infectious and more deadly at the time of writing). Just like with SARs, there is fear and hysteria. The WHO have now been let into ‘ground zero’ to help manage the contagion and the Chinese Government are putting more resources into managing the outbreak. Talk of containment are more frequent.

However, China is largely ‘on pause’. Mass quarantining on an unprecedented scale has been implemented across the planet’s most populous nation. 760 million people are in effective lockdown, with movements to and from apartment blocks being controlled and, in some locations, each household is limited to one family member leaving every couple of days. Places where people congregate are being avoided. In major cities, offices are quiet as staff work remotely at home. Restaurants, bars, shopping malls are ghostly silent. Schools have been suspended. Travel restrictions, both internationally and domestically have left transport hubs idling. China’s central bank is even going disinfect and store used banknotes before re-circulating them. Uncertainty prevails with no known end in sight, just the constant update to the numbers; cases confirmed, deaths and recoveries.

Asia Sourcing bank of china coronavirus

Asia Sourcing

What does this mean for China sourcing? What does this mean for Asia Sourcing more broadly? The Chinese manufacturing sector had already been hit in 2019 by Trump’s tariffs and this outbreak has further deepened the impact on factories across China.

From a China sourcing perspective, the current picture is one of confusion, with local municipal authorities implementing their own preventative measures. This requires each factory to submit detailed records of where workers have been, potential quarantines and additional preventative measures on the factory floor. The net result is that although large swathes of China’s manufacturing belt have ‘officially’ been opened from the 10th February, factories have not been granted permission to open at a local level or, if they have, they are still waiting for non-local workers to either return or complete a 14 day quarantine period.

The impact on the Chinese workforce.

Other than Hubei Province – on complete lockdown – you will need to understand the individual circumstances of each factory. How many non-local workers do they have as a mix of the entire workforce? When will permission to open be granted? What will be the capacity and output when they open? Are there any bottlenecks further down the supply chain with the supplier’s suppliers?

Beyond the factories, transporting goods to warehouses and through the Ports will likewise be problematic. There will be inevitable disruption as Carriers have removed capacity, and as output picks up it will take time to adjust to bring capacity back (and potentially address a surge in outbound shipments).

shipment-goods Coronavirus et2c

Asia manufacturing will undoubtedly also be impacted. China’s size and scale has cast a shadow across its South East Asian neighbours. For example, components that are usually shipped from China to Vietnam’s factories will be delayed. Chinese managers, who are often commonplace in factories beyond China, will be stuck due to travel restrictions imposed in some countries. There is therefore no doubt that the ripples of this outbreak are not solely limited within China’s borders but will be felt across the world from the factories of Asia right through to retailers and Brands.

Our Insight

Although this was certainly not part of our predictions for 2020, we have been speaking to our factories and partners across China to get some insight on what this will mean. Clearly there are still a lot of unknowns but China and its workers want to get back to work. They need to.

1. Impact on Shipments

As a broad estimate, we are seeing this adding between 2-4 weeks to shipments post CNY. You need to understand what the impact is at a factory level and when the situation can begin to ‘normalise’.

2. Stock Levels

Given the disruption, it is essential to try and ensure that you have priority when it comes to capacity. Add volume to upcoming orders, and quickly, to both confirm capacity and to replenish stock levels given the potential inbound delays. It may also help to place stand alone replenishment orders that can quickly be produced and shipped out.

shipment goods Factory coronavirus ET2C

3. Development Cycles

It may be that development cycles have been impacted and critical paths have missed certain milestones. Look at how you can fast-track these to make up time, or by using technology (for example, photos rather than waiting for couriers to ship to your home country).

4. Other Countries

Although it always takes time to onboard suppliers, it may be that there are opportunities in other markets across the Asia sourcing spectrum. India and Vietnam are good options.

5. Surge

Just like after SARs, when there was a bump in economic activity, it is likely that there will be a surge in both orders and shipments coming out of China once factories have worked through the preventative measures that are needed on site. In particular, this may impact freight rates in the short term. Make sure you are leveraging any relationships you have with your carriers in this regard to secure ship dates as well as good pricing.

Summary

The impact of this outbreak has been unprecedented, having been amplified by the timing around the CNY holidays and the movement of some 700 million people. We are constantly working with our suppliers in China to get timely and accurate updates to our clients.

At ET2C, we are always looking to find solutions for our clients. Should you have any queries on China sourcing or more broadly Asia sourcing and new opportunities, please contact us at contact@et2cint.com.

 

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