Quantum Foam Guy ) wrote:
:
: No worries. Like in the US, everything in Europe will be made in
: China soon.
:

Here's an example of what Europe has to look forward to...

http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory...siness/2598944
HoustonChronicle.com - Chinese coffins poised to take share from U.S.

"May 29, 2004, 6:38PM
Chinese coffins poised to take share from U.S.

By ANUPAMA CHANDRASEKARAN
Reuters News Service

NEW YORK Cheap toys, clothing, electronics, furniture now even
coffins: Chinese exporters are serving American consumers from cradle
to grave. -

Low-priced caskets made in China still represent a small portion of
the U.S. market but are viewed as a serious threat by the domestic
industry which, beyond a few major players, is highly fragmented.

U.S. casket makers, affected by rising lumber and steel prices and
sales declining with the death rate, can ill afford a fresh wave of
low-cost competitors.

"Higher commodity costs, falling death rates and imports from China
are going to make it difficult for U.S. casket makers to compete,"
said John Connors, business development manager of H.B. Maynard & Co,
a consultant to some casket companies.

Chinese-made steel caskets, priced 30 percent to 50 percent below a
similar quality American-made product, have been trickling in since
2001 via South Carolina-based automotive repair parts importer
Excalibur Tool & Equipment.

Excalibur's president, Troy Shockley, got into coffin-importing by
chance. While on a visit to China to buy repair parts, he saw a
business opportunity and took it..."


--Jerry Leslie
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