Post date: Oct 03, 2011 11:53:46 PM
Because of global financial uncertainties Christmas comes early for Chinese factories involved in churning out everything from trees to decorations which are sold around the world.
YIWU, ZHEJIANG PROVINCE, CHINA - While the rest of the world is not quite ready for a Christmas, the workers at this plant in Yiwu in eastern China are running at full capacity to manufacture all things merry.
Their skillful hands produce Christmas trees, lights and gifts which are shipped to the rest of the world.But with growing concern for the health of the global economy, and China's manufacturing sector, factory owners have pushed their shipping deadlines early.
The plant's co-owner, He Songping, explains.
Co-Owner, Of China Zhongsheng Crafts Co. Ltd, He Songping saying
"Because of the slowdown in the global economy, our factory had to take steps early on to deal with this problem. We had to talk to our old customers earlier to try to find new business opportunities. Overall, for factories manufacturing Christmas goods, there is not too much of an effect on our sales."
With demand from the United States and Europe shrinking, and lingering high inflation in the country, manufacturers face another problem -- finding employees.
Fu Chensong is one of the 200 workers employed by He, and says that he feels underpaid.
23-Year-Old Factory Worker Fu Chensong, saying
"Nowadays, I feel that I don't have enough money to spend. After a hard day of work, I still feel I don't have enough to survive. I personally feel that if the boss is making profits, he should improve benefits and salary for the workers."
Chinese leaders, including Premier Wen Jiabao, have repeatedly emphasized fighting inflation.
Government data shows a pull back in Chinese exports in August but the slowdown has been modest so far, due to resilient domestic demand.
Elly Park, Reuters.