China is aiming for growth within EV , battery and energy manufacturing , but this shift could heighten global tensions especially with the US , as Chinese leaders continue to invest in decarbonisation and increase demand for commodities such as copper and lithium .

Mehmet Demirci is the Senior Vice President of global presales solution consulting company e2open , a connected supply chain software platform which helps businesses manufacture their products and provide services in the most efficient way . e2open ’ s SaaS platform predicts problems and opportunities which allow businesses to reduce waste and perform to the highest level . Naturally , Mehmet is tracking global tensions which could impact the manufacturing sector .

INTENSIFYING GLOBAL TRADE TENSIONS AND THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR

The divisive nature of China ' s initiatives , which intensify global trade tensions — particularly within the US — have a specific impact on the manufacturing sector .

“ The evolution of China ' s demographics and economic landscape have contributed to a shift in their approach to manufacturing and trade policies ,” he says .

Over the past few years , China has experienced substantial demographic changes , with its population assimilating characteristics similar to those of the Western world . This has prompted a need to protect the local economy and intellectual property , leading to the implementation of policies aimed at ensuring economic stability and growth .

“ The traditional world factory model that China has operated under for more than 50 years is now approaching its sunset ,”

114 [ May 2024 ] EVMAGAZINE . COM