Why Hyper-Localization is the New Playbook for International Success in China The global strategies that guaranteed success for international companies over the last two decades in China are facing a fundamental reality check.In episode #213 of the Made in China Podcast („Die China-Formel hat sich geändert“), EAC Partner Daniel Berger joined host Thomas Derksen to unpack a crucial truth shaping international business today: Successful market strategies are no longer built on transferring global concepts, but on a deep, operational integration into local innovation ecosystems. During the discussion, one word took center stage – Localization. But what does „true“ localization mean …
Webinar Recap: Beyond Tariffs – How German Companies Can Operationalize the EU–India FTA Across Supply Chains, Sourcing & Market Access in India
Webinar Recap: Beyond Tariffs – How German Companies Can Operationalize the EU–India FTA On 18 June 2026, the Indo‑German Chamber of Commerce (AHK‑Indien/IGCC) and EAC International Consulting co‑hosted a webinar on the strategic implications of the EU–India FTA. Speakers: Rituraj Shailendra, Principal, EAC International Consulting Anne Krieckhaus, Managing Director, AHK‑Indien The webinar drew 56 registrations from a diverse mix of German and Indian companies, including DHL, Kalzip, Siemens, Röchling, Planet Biogas, Otto Group, Merck, BASF, and Hellmann, reflecting strong cross‑sector interest in the EU–India FTA and its practical implications for supply chains and market access. The EU–India FTA, signed in January 2026 after …
China Cost Optimization 2026 – Balancing competitiveness in a shifting landscape
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 That assumption is no longer valid.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 …
China Quo Vadis: Strategic Repositioning of a Key Market
China Quo Vadis: Strategic Repositioning of a Key Market EAC International Consulting Partner Daniel Berger has been cited as a market expert in a major Handelsblatt analysis examining the shifting China revenues of German corporations, published in the context of Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) visit to China. Our perspective on the structural repositioning now underway in the China market is available in our Executive Briefing. Click here to read more.Latest Juli 15, 2026 India’s Maritime Transformation: Logistics, Manufacturing, and Indo‑German CollaborationJuni 24, 2026 Why Hyper-Localization is the New Playbook for International Success in ChinaJuni 15, 2026 China Cost Optimization 2026 …
China Quo Vadis: Strategic Repositioning of a Key Market
China Quo Vadis: Strategic Repositioning of a Key Market The Handelsblatt article published in the context of Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s (CDU) visit to China highlights a tangible market shift in the China revenues of German corporations. EAC International Consulting was cited as a market expert in this context. The former growth engine is losing momentum, and market shares are realigning and the success factors for a sustainable China engagement are being redefined. At the same time, the development reflects less a withdrawal and more a structural repositioning.The China boom of past decades is over. With approximately 5.0% growth in 2025 …
India Localization – Unleashing the Potential
India Localization – Unleashing the Potential India’s growth story in the manufacturing sector has been driven by its billion-plus demographic and their rising spending acumen. Manufacturing sector in India today contributes 17% to the GDP and not only caters to domestic consumption but the meteoric growth in exports as well. This rise has turned global eyes towards India as a ‘China Plus One’ destination. Government Schemes and a well-developed manufacturing ecosystem have augmented the impact in attracting global firms to invest in India.India’s manufacturing ecosystem has developed over the last 10 years primarily due to the rise in demand clusters …
IHK Cologne Event – Changing China
Changing China – Impact & Action Demand for Foreign Businesses (IHK Event) The future of business in China: where is the journey heading? This question is on the minds of more than 5,000 German companies currently operating in China. The Cologne Chamber of Industry and Commerce provided answers as part of an expert panel. As part of the event organized by the IHK Cologne on May 9th, our partners Daniela Bartscher-Herold and Uwe Haizmann shared their perspective on opportunities and challenges for German enterprises in the Chinese market. In front of >70 decision-makers, they elaborated on the recent COVID-outbreak in Shanghai, …
Volkswagen in China’s NEV Market: Challenges & Changes
Volkwagen in China’s NEV Market: Challenges & Changes How does VW perform in China’s New Energy Vehicle (NEV) market? In 2021, Volkswagen’s new energy vehicle “ID series” did not meet the Board’s expectations. It reached an annual sales volume of roughly 70,000 cars, lower than the target 80,000. The pioneer in this industry, Tesla, performed far better – reaching a significant volume of 936,000 shipped units. Besides that, the competition did not just come from Tesla. Local new energy automakers such as BYD, NIO, and Xpeng all delivered outstanding sales outcomes of 594,000, 91,000 and 98,000 units respectively. Together these …
China FDI Boom in 2021
FDI into China reaches new highs in 2021: What does it mean? How is China performing in FDI inflows? Global Foreign Direct Investment fell sharply by 32% to 1031 billion USD in 2020, according to the OECD. However, China’s FDI inflows bucked the trend and rose to 212 billion USD by increasing 14%, surpassing the US to become the world’s largest recipient of foreign capital. According to data released by the Ministry of Commerce in China, the actual use of foreign capital in the country hit a record of 173.5 billion USD in 2021 – increasing by 20% YoY. We …
China Case Study: KONE
China Case Study: KONE As one of the most successful foreign companies in the Chinese market, the Finnish company KONE is a striking example of how the right strategy can turn your business into remarkable profits.KONE in China Since its market entry in 1996, the Finnish company KONE has seen rapid growth in the past 20 years. It has become the market leader in elevator and escalator solutions in China, which accounts for 60% of the global demand and contributes 30% to KONE’s global business (~3bn EUR in 2020). As of today, the company has around 20,000 employees deployed in …
Localization Pressure in China’s Healthcare Industry
Localization Pressure in China’s Healthcare Industry China’s rising demand for healthcare products and especially medical devices has been a major growth driver for both international and domestic companies in recent years. But barriers to participate in the booming MedTec market as a foreign company are becoming higher, since the Chinese government is increasingly pushing for localization.How is China’s healthcare industry developing? China’s rising demand for healthcare products and especially medical devices has been a major growth driver for both international and domestic companies in recent years – supported by a general rise in accessibility and affordability of health services. Further …