Latest US study: South Korea and Vietnam cannot replace China as major suppliers

According to CNET, the latest research released by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) pointed out that if US President Trump increases tariffs on another $300 billion worth of Chinese imports, American consumers will suffer the most. The prices of items such as mobile phones, laptops, tablets, game consoles and toy drones will increase significantly. At the same time, the export revenue of other countries will increase.

The report was conducted by economic consulting firm Trade Partnership Worldwide and released on Monday by the Consumer Technology Association.

       The report pointed out that if Trump increases tariffs again, the price of mobile phones imported from China will increase by 22%, and the overall price of mobile phones in the United States will increase by an average of 14%, that is, the amount of each retail mobile phone will increase by US$70. When American consumers have to pay more to buy products, mobile phone manufacturers in other countries such as South Korea and Vietnam will benefit, with export revenues increasing by US$1.8 billion and US$1.2 billion respectively.

       The report also pointed out that the cost of laptops and tablets imported from China will increase by 21%, resulting in an average price increase of $120 for laptops sold in the United States and $50 for tablets. Vietnam will benefit from this, with an increase of $220 million in revenue from laptop and tablet exports. As for game consoles imported from China, the price will increase by 21%, and even toy drones will increase by 20%.

       Industry experts believe that, in the end, China will still be the main supplier, accounting for 80% of the laptops and tablets imported into the United States.

       The US Consumer Technology Association believes that the reason why South Korea and Vietnam cannot replace China as the main supplier is that China has experienced workers. Strategic communication expert Bronwyn Flores said that many people mistakenly believe that China only has cheap workers, but in fact only skilled workers can make good smart watches and TVs. This is a very complicated job. According to his experience in talking with other industry experts, if other countries want to surpass the development of China's manufacturing industry, they need at least 9 months to several years of training.