I had an interesting meeting with a long term importer of Chinese goods (Chinese herself) who told me that her suppliers - large clothing providers - consider the US market is 'over' and large orders previously being placed by the US retailers are now being replaced by Russian businesses. Interesting because of Australia's dependence on Chinese manufacturing, and that contrary to common opinion, the failing USA economy may be of less relevance than we think in the big picture - for Australia. She said the lynchpin was the high AUD and other providers with better exchange rates were knocking on their doors. Any thoughts people?
China historically traded along the silk road route - nothing stopping them from increasing those trades routes again. Many of the silk road nations have a lot of energy resources to exchange with.
