Manufacturing goods tackle minefield of restrictions to reach China

The last of a three-part series on rising non-tariff barriers to Indian exports explores how manufacturing shipments are trying but failing to enter China

After securing a contract to export to China, textile exporters almost always begin by giving their manufacturing unit a thorough scrubbing. The shop floors are cleared of obstructions and workers are given training according to the latest guidelines.

All this is done in anticipation of a Chinese team of inspectors which may land up at the door to check every step of the manufacturing process. “But there is no guarantee this will help, as there is no fixed pattern to the inspections. Contracts have been suspended due to non-issues such as the layout of the manufacturing facility, which may not be