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 …
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 That assumption is no longer valid.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 …
ASEAN Investment Location Compass | 2026 Edition
ASEAN Investment Location Compass | 2026 Edition For international companies committed to entering Southeast Asia, the most critical question remains where to locate? ASEAN is not a single market, but six distinct economies (Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines), each with its own regulatory, cost, and industrial profile. Choosing the wrong location can result in an expensive course correction within years. Going into 2026, under the AEC Strategic Plan 2026–2030, this decision is more nuanced than ever as the region transforms into a long-term industrial and digital hub.Beyond Cost Arbitrage: A New Era of Investment in ASEAN Capital flowing into ASEAN is …
India’s Sunrise Moment: A Macro Overview for Global Business Leaders
India’s Sunrise Moment: A Macro Overview for Global Business Leaders As geopolitical fault lines reshape global trade, one economy is emerging not merely unscathed but structurally strengthened. India’s combination of domestic resilience, policy-backed industrialisation, and demographic depth is drawing unprecedented attention from boardrooms across Europe, Asia, and the United States.On 27th March 2026, EAC International Consulting, in collaboration with the Consulate General of India in Munich and RÖDL , hosted an invite-only executive roundtable on Indian Sunrise Sectors with a focused lens on Solar PV, Battery, Semiconductor, and Green Hydrogen. The event brought together senior decision makers to deliberate on …
The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone: Where Strategic Vision Meets Market Reality
The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone: Where Strategic Vision Meets Market Reality JS-SEZ represents more than just another economic initiative, it’s a paradigm shift that’s reshaping how multinational corporations approach Southeast Asian market expansion. With 93% of Singaporean firms already eyeing Johor for strategic investments, this cross-border collaboration has emerged as the region’s most compelling value proposition for forward-thinking executives.While conventional special economic zones focus on isolated benefits, the JS-SEZ pioneers an integrated ecosystem that leverages the complementary strengths of two dynamic economies. This isn’t merely about cost arbitrage – it’s about creating sustainable competitive advantages through strategic geographic positioning, regulatory …
China Auto Consolidates, Humanoid Robots Surge
China Auto Consolidates, Humanoid Robots Surge June 18–19, 2025 | Hefei, China EAC International Consulting participated in two closed-door forums in Hefei, focused on the transformation of China’s automotive sector and the growing momentum in humanoid robotics. The sessions brought together senior executives from OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and technology disruptors to assess capital strategies, industrial policy, and global expansion frameworks.EAC shared its strategic perspectives on how Chinese automotive firms are accelerating international growth through Tier 1 partnerships, while foreign players are deepening their China presence by leveraging domestic supply chains, funding channels, and faster commercialization paths. The second forum …
Elevated Experiences, Broader Appeal: India’s Premiumization Trend
Elevated Experiences, Broader Appeal: India’s Premiumization Trend India’s consumer landscape is transforming rapidly. With the middle class projected to reach 580 million by 2030 and rising disposable incomes, the demand for premium international brands is surging, fuelling a 25% annual growth in the luxury market.With premiumization no longer limited to a niche elite in India, global brands have swiftly recognized this shift and are now undergoing a transformation to align with the uniquely defined Indian premium, super-premium, and luxury markets. These brands are localizing offerings while maintaining the perception of quality and heritage, a key driver of premiumization in the …
Energizing the Future: India’s ACC landscape
Energizing the Future: India’s ACC landscape Market Status Quo and Regulatory Scenario: India’s ACC market is expected to be valued at 19.5 bln EUR by 2025, growing at 10.6% from 17.6 bln EUR in 2024, primarily driven by increasing prospects of end-use applications and government initiatives.Demand for ACC’s is expected to reach 220 GWh by 2030 making India an attractive market for battery manufacturers; however, India lacks strong presence across the battery manufacturing value-chain.Though India has expertise in pack assembly and recycling, critical material processing and electrode manufacturing competencies remain limited. Consequently, India imports most raw materials, including lithium, cobalt, …
Navigating the EV Market Shift in China
China’s Unrivaled Position in the EV Landscape The electric vehicle (EV) market in China continues to redefine the automotive industry’s future. In 2023, China solidified its position as a global leader by accounting for nearly 60% of worldwide EV sales (measured in car registrations), a significant indicator of its growing dominance, according to data from the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) Global EV Outlook 2024, a Paris-based autonomous intergovernmental organization. This trend is not just a fleeting phase but a clear signal of the shifting dynamics in the global car market, with projections showing that one in three cars in China …
China Outlook for 2024: A Perspective from German Companies
China Outlook for 2024 A Perspective from German Companies In the latest Business Confidence Survey (BCS) conducted by the German Chamber of Commerce in China, findings reveal a complex landscape of opportunities, challenges, and strategic shifts among German businesses operating in China. Conducted between September and October 2023, the survey engaged 566 member companies, offering a comprehensive insight into the German business sentiment within the Chinese market.Despite a slower-than-expected economic recovery with 52% of German companies that have been surveyed stated a decline in their industry, China’s importance to the German economy remains undiminished. As Germany’s most important trading partner …
Distribution in China: Obstacles and Success Factors
Distribution in China: Obstacles and Success Factors In the dynamic Chinese market, distributors are often ‘gatekeepers’ to drive growth. EAC experience shows that many foreign companies are faced with complex distribution challenges in China, ranging from reliance on legacy distributors, lack of transparency to e-commerce exposure. Choosing the right distribution approach and managing distribution partners most efficiently is crucial to succeed in China.Distributors are often ‘Gatekeepers’ for Growth in China Foreign companies face a range of challenges when managing their distribution setup in the vast Chinese market: Reliance on Legacy Distributors Unstructured selection of only one general distributor Lack of …