Abstract

Chinese manufacturers, in particular in labour-intensive industries, are striving hard for ways to withstand pressures such as slowing economic growth, labour force shortages and rising factor costs. Light manufacturing offers growth solutions for under-developed regions and economies as it is driven by low factor costs and an abundant workforce. Using data from multiple official sources, this report aims to identify the pattern of current manufacturing employment shifts within China and focus on regional and industrial disparities – primarily through the study of four manufacturing sub-sectors.