China Cost Optimization 2026 – Balancing competitiveness in a shifting landscape The rules of competition in China have changed. Most foreign companies have not. For two decades, international companies operated in China under one assumption: Chinese manufacturers compete on price, and foreign brands compete on quality. That assumption is no longer valid. Chinese companies have graduated in technology, engineering depth, supply chain integration, and speed-to-market. The cost gap that once protected foreign margins is narrowing fast. In some sectors, it has already reversed.Download the Market InsightThe Chinese car market added 10 million units between 2020 and 2025, growing from 20 …