Export becomes the most uncertain factor in the fastener industry
The development of the fastener industry is now at a pivotal stage, marking a new turning point for transformation. From the perspective of China's current economic growth phase, there is vast potential for expanding domestic demand, while there is also significant room to reduce reliance on external markets. In the coming period, stricter policies are expected to be gradually relaxed, and regulatory measures will become more flexible and tailored to the actual situation.
China’s economic growth has been closely aligned with its long-term trend line, reaching the peak of an economic cycle. The rapid expansion of the fastener industry in recent years has created pressures for adjustment. As a result, from 2008 onwards, the sector entered a prolonged adjustment phase that lasted over two years.
Looking at the broader economic context, the potential for domestic consumption remains strong, and there is ample space to reduce dependence on foreign markets. In the future, the likelihood of maintaining strict policy measures will decrease, and regulation will become more adaptive and reasonable.
Some time ago, many fastener companies complained about export challenges. On the surface, these difficulties were attributed to external factors. However, changes in laws and regulations, along with shifts in market demand, have indeed increased the complexity of exporting. But when viewed more carefully, the years of rapid export growth have masked or overlooked deeper structural issues. As the saying goes, in times of prosperity, problems are often hidden; but in adversity, even small issues become glaring. Export difficulties now reveal more profound concerns.
Sustained low-price competition cannot last forever. Many small and medium-sized fastener companies have been operating on thin margins for a long time, with profit margins on export sales dropping to between 1% and 3%, or even lower. With policy adjustments and shifting market conditions, many of these companies are struggling to stay afloat.
A lack of industrial transfer strategies has also become a pain point. Fastener exports are largely based on labor-intensive, low-value-added standard components. Shifting industries not only helps avoid rising costs but also sustains long-term competitiveness in both domestic and international markets. Moving production from coastal areas to inland regions allows companies to seize opportunities for industrial relocation and move toward lower-cost locations before it's too late.
Traditional marketing methods have become a major obstacle. Most small and medium-sized fastener enterprises still rely on outdated self-export strategies, making it difficult to access foreign final markets or take initiative in export marketing. While this hasn't been a big issue when international competition was less intense, the current challenges—such as changing global environments, weak demand, and RMB appreciation—have exposed the limitations of traditional approaches. The drawbacks of relying solely on orders from international buyers are now fully evident.
Export success can no longer be built on the exploitation of employees. Whether for domestic or international sales, fasteners must be produced and promoted by workers. However, interviews with industry insiders reveal that it is increasingly difficult to recruit and retain staff. Many blame employee loyalty and rising labor costs. This year, daily wages for skilled fastener workers have risen by 200–400 yuan compared to last year, increasing labor costs by 10–15%. According to a survey, around 30–35% of fastener companies are not fully compliant with labor laws. Some company owners, especially those in small and medium-sized private firms, attribute rising costs to the new Labor Contract Law. They argue that the foundation of China’s fastener export competitiveness has always been low labor costs. Increasing wages would inevitably weaken this advantage. Yet, they also recognize that past export growth was, to some extent, fueled by suppressing employee incomes and failing to pay social insurance—practices that were illegal and unsustainable in the long run.
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