How to negotiate prices with Chinese suppliers after the US tariff increase?

Tariffs went up again. I don’t want my unit costs to follow. After the 2025 US tariff hike, it’s possible to negotiate lower prices by requesting FOB term adjustments, securing volume discounts, and proposing tariff-sharing mechanisms. Last month, I renegotiated a year-long supply contract. Same hoist. New pricing terms. Let me show you how I […]
Is 110V Always Single Phase? What It Means for Your Electric Chain Hoist Setup

Sometimes 110V looks like the easy choice, but is it always single phase? 110V is commonly single phase in the U.S., but not always. That’s why understanding voltage and phase compatibility is critical when selecting an electric chain hoist. I learned this lesson firsthand while sourcing hoists for a facility retrofit—what looked simple on paper […]
Are electric hoists made in China facing tariff barriers? What are the alternatives?

Many importers used to choose Chinese hoists without thinking. Now, with tariff hikes, that’s no longer easy. Yes, electric hoists made in China are facing tariff barriers of up to 54%. Vietnam, India, and Turkey are emerging as viable alternatives. A few years ago, I could land a container of Chinese electric hoists without much […]
Are Chinese Electric Hoists Still Cost-Effective After the Latest US Tariffs?

Many of us used to buy Chinese hoists because they were cheap. But now, with the new U.S. tariffs, things are changing fast. Even after tariffs of up to 54%, Chinese hoists can still be cost-effective—thanks to their lower base price and wide availability—but buyers must now compare options more carefully. Not long ago, I […]
Exporting Electric Hoists to Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa: How Can You Quickly Obtain Local Certifications?

The first time I exported electric hoists to three regions at once—Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa—it took longer than I expected. Every country had different certification rules, and I didn’t know how to speed things up. After learning the hard way, I found a faster approach. You can quickly obtain local certifications for […]
How to Ensure That Electric Hoists Exported to the UAE Meet ECAS Certification Standards?

When I first exported electric hoists to Dubai, I thought customs clearance would be simple. It wasn’t. My shipment was held because I didn’t have ECAS certification. After that, I made sure to understand every step of the process. ECAS certification is mandatory for electric hoists imported to the UAE. For certain projects, the EQM […]
Is the SASO Certification and SABER Registration Process Complicated for Electric Hoists Exported to Saudi Arabia?

I still remember the first time I tried to export electric hoists to Saudi Arabia. I thought getting SASO certification would be straightforward. It wasn’t. I had to figure out SABER registration, select the right certification body, and deal with a lot of paperwork. But once I understood the process, it became much easier. SASO […]
What International Certifications Are Required for Electric Hoists to Be Exported to Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa Without Hindrance?

I remember the first time I tried to export electric hoists to multiple countries. I thought having CE certification was enough. It wasn’t. My products got delayed at customs because I didn’t meet all local standards. To export electric hoists without delays, you need international certifications like CE, ISO 9001, UL, and CCC. You also […]
What Are the Necessary Certification and Testing Processes for Exporting Electric Hoists to Africa?

I still remember the first time I exported electric hoists to Africa. My shipment got delayed because I didn’t understand the certifications. That mistake taught me a valuable lesson. To export electric hoists to Africa, you need SABS certification for South Africa, SONCAP for Nigeria, and KEBS certification for Kenya. These certifications ensure compliance with […]
What Certifications and Standards Are Required for Export of Electric Hoists to the Middle East?

One time, I lost a shipment because I didn’t have the right certificates. It was stuck at customs for weeks. After that, I made sure I knew every rule before I shipped anything to the Middle East. You need ECAS certification for the UAE and SASO certification through the SABER platform for Saudi Arabia. These […]