Acrossriver

�?What November Taught Me About China’s OEM/ODM Landscape (Post-Covid Reality)

? November just wrapped up, and it was one of our busiest months -
We welcomed multiple clients from Europe and US to Nanjing, different brands, different markets, different company size�?but they all told me the same thing about their suppliers in China.
It made me rethink where China’s OEM / ODM industry is heading next.

? Here are the three patterns I kept hearing again and again:
1️⃣ ODM suppliers are thriving - across all regions and categories.
No matter jacket, knitwear, dress or shirts�?br/>If a supplier can design, propose, solve problems, and support flexible MOQs �?they are doing very well.
2️⃣ Traditional OEM suppliers are struggling.
Factories that only “execute Tech Packs�? need 100% clear instructions, or rely purely on cheap labor & big volumes �?are under the most pressure.
3️⃣ Brands now value flexibility more than ever.
Especially small/medium brands or DTC:
Faster sampling
Smaller MOQ
Design support
Predictable communication
These matter more than price differences of $0.5�?1.0 per pcs.

? To me, this shift is very clear:
In the post-Covid world, development ability is the real competitiveness of a manufacturer.
Not capacity.
Not price.
Not location.
�?Development ability.

? November also reaffirmed our own direction at AcrossRiver:
Small MOQ (300 pcs)
Strong ODM capability
Fast sampling & technical communication
A development room built for designers, not just production
This “development-first manufacturing�?is exactly what brands are looking for now.

? For the designers & buyers here:
Does this match what you’re seeing too?
Are you also shifting toward more flexible, development-focused partners?
I’d love to hear your perspective.