Did you know that China is responsible for producing 57% of the world’s steel? Yearly, their exports of steel products to Saudi Arabia are valued at US$969 million. However, while there are many reputable steel mills, it’s wise to always stay alert as fraudulent suppliers exist within the industry.
Let’s look at six warning flags based on our real-life examples to help you identify fraudulent suppliers and reduce risks when sourcing steel products from China.
1. Don’t Be Deceived by Appearances
Exercise caution if a supplier’s website is beautifully designed but is only available in English and use a personal cell phone number as the primary contact information.
Well-established suppliers usually have websites with multilingual options (English and Mandarin) and correct contact details, including address, phone number, and email.
2. The Company’s Name Is Only Written in English
Companies in China are generally required to have a Chinese name. This name comprises Chinese characters but is transliterated for international communication and branding purposes.
If a company solely uses an English name, it may raise concerns regarding its authenticity.
3. Inconsistent Company Information
Be cautious of suppliers whose company history displays inconsistencies between their registration date, claimed establishment date, and business scope. You can cross-check this information using the National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System in China to check the supplier’s registration date and its business scope.
4. Location of the Company’s Bank Account
If your prospective supplier provides you with an invoice showing bank account details at a different address (for example, in Singapore or Hong Kong) than the company’s registered address (example Shanghai, Shenzhen), exercise caution. The supplier’s invoice should match the company’s location name, and the bank account details should be consistent with the company name in Pinyin.
Remember that you will have more protection if you transact with a Chinese company in mainland China that uses a bank account registered in Mainland China.
5. Low Prices
It goes without saying that while pricing is desirable, unusually low prices should raise concerns about the quality and authenticity of steel products. It’s important to be careful if you come across prices much lower than the usual market rates.
6. Trading Company With Large Offices
Lastly, verify any photos of the company’s exterior building. Unfortunately, there have been instances where trading companies and factories display images of grand offices that are not their own and are taken elsewhere. Just take this image as an example.
Not only did the inspected company use someone else’s image. While taking a closer look at the location, we can see that the inspection location is in a logistics park, not a factory location, which would be an unlikely location for a company who claims to be a steel mill.
Conclusion
Remember that these examples are just a few red flags we commonly encounter while auditing steel mills and trading companies in China. Having a reliable and objective quality partner on-site in China to visit the intended supplier/factory is the best option to protect yourself from fraudulent suppliers and reduce risks.
With over a decade of experience, AQM BD PTE. LTD has assisted businesses trading or manufacturing steel products minimising risks when procuring steel from China. Contact us today to learn more about our services.
