China’s manufacturing challenge: going lean

Recent data on Chinese manufacturing shows an economy intransition. The Chinese manufacturing sector must adjust to global shifts—otherwise it risks being held back by its earlier success.

At a glance

• China’s advantage as a hub of low-cost manufacturing is eroding fast
• China will likely have to align with the norms of developed markets to prevent being left behind
• The country is experiencing its weakest growth in decades,underscoring Chinese companies’ urgent need to evolve from low-cost models into models that meet a global standard.