Shanghai, 10 July 2025 – British Chamber of Commerce Shanghai successfully hosted an insightful supply chain event, bringing together industry leaders, legal experts, and entrepreneurs for a series of engaging panel discussions.
The event provided a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities shaping global supply chains today, offering actionable insights for businesses navigating this complex landscape.
The legal panel explored critical issues in cross-border operations, starting with intellectual property protection in collaborations between international and Chinese partners.
Experts clarified the importance of clear contracts to define IP ownership and licensing, particularly given China’s unique filing processes for patents, trademarks, and copyrights. The discussion also delved into the extraterritorial impact of EU ESG laws and the difficulties of enforcing these regulations in non-EU jurisdictions.
During the SME panel, entrepreneurs shared their experiences in building and managing global supply chains amidst operational challenges. One panellist highlighted the journey of launching a global brand from China while overcoming supply chain obstacles.
The conversation also emphasised the transformative role of technology, with AI being hailed as a game-changer for SMEs, enabling them to access sourcing intelligence traditionally reserved for multinational corporations.
The ESG discussion centred on achieving transparency and traceability in supply chains, a growing priority for businesses aligning with sustainability goals.
Panellists addressed the complexities of tracking emissions and ethical practices across APAC’s fragmented supply networks, alongside the need to balance sustainability costs with profitability. Practices for implementing traceability systems were shared, including solutions for accurate greenhouse gas reporting and extending carbon mandates beyond Tier 1 suppliers.
In addition, the finance panel clarified the evolving challenges for European multinationals operating in China. A recent business confidence survey cited by a panellist during the conversation revealed a sharp decline in optimism, with only 12% of companies expecting growth and 70% reporting margins at or below global averages.
Discussions highlighted how global trade shifts, such as tariffs, are reshaping supply chain strategies, with practical examples of popular financing solutions in China and abroad.
Experts also examined how multinational companies are adapting their operations amid geopolitical tensions, alongside updates on China’s tax and customs policies designed to support foreign businesses. The session closed with a focus on credit rating considerations when selecting supply chain financing options.
The event underscored the interconnected nature of legal, financial, operational, and sustainability challenges in supply chains currently.
BritCham Shanghai remains committed to providing a platform for sharing cutting-edge industry topics and expert insights, empowering members to navigate an ever-changing global business environment. We look forward to continuing these critical conversations in future events.
