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In the new episode of Borderless Talks, we talk to Sally Chen, Serviap Global’s Sale Executive.
With her extensive experience in sales in the manufacturing companies in China, Sally dives into the advantages and disadvantages that manufacturing Chinese companies in Latin America.
This episode is a must-listen if you plan to take your operations beyond borders. Whether you’re a startup or an established organization, Sally´s insights can help you navigate the complexities of the LATAM market.
Listen to the full episode now:
Episode 5 with Sally Chen: Summary
[0:00] Introduction
[1:55] Meeting Sally Chen
[2:48] Chinese New Year
[4:00] Levering expertise and network to expand globally
[6:00] China expansion in Latin América
[7:07] Advantages for Chinese businesses: LATAM population and US Market
[9:37] Challenges for Chinese companies in Latin América
[14:00] Success stories between China-LATAM
[19:45] Hiring blue-collar workers
[23:11] Advices to expand into Latin América
[26:21] China in the last 10 years
[27:14] Final thoughts
Chinese companies in Latin America: insights
- Networking is a crucial part of the process, as companies require consultants and comprehensive services to expand.
- China’s global expansion has accelerated in recent years, particularly in Latin America, with countries like Brazil, Peru, and Chile becoming key markets.
- The U.S. remains China’s top investment and trading market, influencing China’s interest in Latin America.
- Due to U.S.-China trade tensions, particularly tariffs, many Chinese companies are expanding into Mexico to export goods to the U.S. more efficiently.
- With rising tariffs under Trump, Chinese companies see Latin America as a strategic alternative.
- Strong diplomatic ties between China and Latin America, including 15 Latin American countries joining China’s Belt and Road Initiative, facilitate trade expansion.
- The biggest challenge for Chinese companies in Latin America is the time zone difference, as there is little to no overlap in working hours.
- Cultural differences also pose a challenge, requiring Chinese companies to adapt to Latin American markets and business customs.
- Employer of record (EOR) services help Chinese companies hire local employees and secure work visas for expatriate workers.
- Companies at different stages of expansion have varying needs: Early-stage companies often seek quick hiring solutions without setting up a legal entity; Growing companies require recruitment and payroll services as they scale; Manufacturers with factories need specialized blue-collar workforce recruitment.
- Hiring blue-collar workers is more challenging than hiring office employees, especially in Mexico, due to high demand from many factories and companies setting up operations, intense competition for skilled labor, and rising salaries for manufacturing workers.
The Borderless Talks Podcast
All episodes of Borderless Talks, including Episode 5 with Sally Chen, are available on Spotify, Amazon Music, and YouTube.
The Borderless Talks Podcast brings people together to chat about global collaboration, international recruiting opportunities, case studies, and innovation. A new episode of Borderless Talks is out every month.
- Episode 4: Klaus Wehage Top Global Expansion Mistakes to Avoid in 2025
- Episode 3: Zain Ali on Global Hiring Solutions
- Episode 2: Carlos Escutia on Global IT Challenges
- Episode 1: Venecia Carrasco on Nearshoring in Latin America
Check our social media and site for more information and clips.
