Author Article List

The Backlash: Understanding Today's Global Realities

Published on Saturday, January 01, 2005

Since the emergence of local, regional and national economies, there has been a constant evolution in the stages of cultural and economic development. Globalization is another step in that evolution. It is not a unique event just bursting onto the scene, but rather, the 21st century version of a predictable age old dynamic. Yet due to the accelerated pace at which change now occurs, a backlash is growing and supported by a variety of groups.

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European Union Expansion Will Impact U.S. Investment Decisions

Published on Saturday, January 01, 2005

After World War II and throughout the Cold War period, the United States was unquestionably the world leader in terms of political and economic policy. In fact, the Cold War provided much of the glue that held the American-Western European alliance together. Since the end of the Cold War, and in light of European Union (EU) expansion, as well as contentious trade disputes, it appears that the United States is no longer in a position of dominance. This will affect the United States’ ability to forge new political and economic policies that involve Europe and the rest of the world. This also will affect U.S. investment decisions.

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Shifting Demographics Are Influencing Where Tomorrow’s Facilities Will Be Built

Published on Saturday, January 01, 2005

Global demographics are shifting at an accelerated pace. This is causing certain national markets to expand while others contract—all while shaping the world economy. Increasing consumer income in a national market quickly translates into greater demand for goods and services there. In turn, that country is likely to attract more foreign direct investment.

In other countries, a rising median age affects consumer needs, preferences and tastes, and also impacts demand. As this occurs, companies continuously monitor where their markets—or moving targets—are growing and shrinking. In response, many move production and service facilities closer to the expanding markets in order to better serve them. These realities are not always easy to explain in an environment that is suspect of corporate motives.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the world’s total population surpassed 6.4 billion in January 2005 and is anticipated to exceed 7 billion by 2013. Where these people live will influence decisions by American companies as to where to build their future production facilities. For example, companies sometimes choose to produce goods and services in the foreign country in order to eliminate ocean transportation costs, tariff barriers and other costs. Plus, proximity often enables companies to gather better intelligence on changing market conditions so they can quickly adjust. This is why foreign-owned multinationals operate in the United States. And according to Insourcing Jobs: Making the Global Economy Work for America, by Professor Matthew J. Slaughter of the Dartmouth College Tuck School of Business, these foreign companies employed 5.4 million Americans with a U.S. payroll of $307 billion in 2002.

Following long-established geographic and cultural patterns, almost all the net population growth—the difference between births and deaths—will occur in developing countries located in Asia, Latin America and Africa. For example, by 2013, China’s population is expected to reach almost 1.4 billion, followed by India’s, projected at 1.2 billion. Indonesia follows at 268 million, Brazil at 201 million, Pakistan at 190 million, and Bangladesh at 169 million.

Average per capita income in developing countries is understandably low as compared to developed countries. In 2005, for example, GDP per capita is estimated at approximately $41,700 for each American, according to the International Monetary Fund. On the other hand, per capita income is approximately $6,500 in Mexico, $1,340 in China and only $620 in India. Based on these figures, anti-trade organizations often conclude that consumers in these countries cannot afford American products or services. Should U.S. companies subscribe to this logic, they will be at a loss. In terms of buying power, general per capita income figures can be misleading. For instance, India is estimated to have a middle class of more than 200 million people with the same purchasing power as the U.S. middle class. And according to Robert Wu, a consultant who works with Chinese and American firms, “China has 200 to 300 million people living in urban areas with considerable consumption capacity.” For just about all U.S. exporters and investors, a new and relatively affluent market of 200 to 300 million plus consumers is well worth pursuing.

Additionally, the average life span continues to rise, and is projected to increase from 64 years in 2002 to 69 years by 2025, and to 77 years by 2050, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This increased longevity has contributed to global population growth and is leading to a shifting age demographic characterized by higher proportions of the elderly. As a result, over the next two decades the age structure of world population will continue to shift, with older age groups making up an increasingly larger share of the total. In fact, the number of people age 65 and over is estimated to more than double. The greatest relative increase will occur in developing countries, while the largest absolute change will take place in Asia. The bottom line: by 2020, two-thirds of the world’s elderly will live in developing countries.

As this age shift occurs, the elderly population in the United States and the rest of the developed world will increase by more than 50 percent. Concurrently, demand for products and services designed to satisfy the needs of this group will increase. For example, Americans over the age of 50 tend to use significantly more pharmaceutical products than any other segment of the population. As the world’s population continues to age in both developed and developing countries, the demand for health-related products, as well as home care, is anticipated to skyrocket. In response, many U.S. companies that produce health related products and services are likely to relocate facilities in proximity to this expanding market.

As the elderly population grows in numbers, the median age of the world’s people will continue to rise as well. Not to be confused with average age, the median means half of the population will be above and half below the age cited. In 1998, the median age was 24 in less developed nations, and 37 in more developed countries. However, by 2025, the median ages will rise to 30 and 43, respectively. Keep in mind: these people will grow up in an increasingly sophisticated age in terms of technology, communications and consumer products. Many of these age groups will be influenced by American culture; as youngsters they will listen to American music, watch American movies and wear American blue jeans. This also is a generation that will be better educated and enjoy a more affluent lifestyle.

What implications does this have for consumer spending? According to Harry S. Dent, Jr., author of The Roaring 2000s Investor, on average, Americans enter the workforce at age 19, get married at age 25.5 (27 for men and 24 for women), bear their first children two years later, and purchase their first homes at age 33 or 34. They trade up to the largest homes they’ll own by 44, and fully furnish them by age 46.5 or 47. Interestingly, the average American also reaches peak spending at about 46, the same time the kids leave home. Dent observes that empty-nest couples then spend more on vacation homes, travel and leisure. They also become prospects for investment services and products as they approach retirement age.

Spending patterns in other developed nations are similar to those in the United States. As a result, it’s reasonable to assume that as the median age rises and life expectancy increases in developed countries, from 76 years in 2002 to 80 years by 2025 according to the U.S. Census Bureau, consumer spending also will rise. Depending on a company’s products or services, relocating facilities within close reach of these growing markets may be recognized as a sound strategic decision in the business community, but may be labeled as anti-American in the political community.

By studying shifts in world demographics, a company can pinpoint where tomorrow’s major populations will live, identify the fastest-growing age groups (an important indicator of tastes and needs) and predict, based on similar demographics elsewhere, demand for certain products or services. In turn, this will influence where a company’s next factories or service centers will be built.

Before Selecting International Markets To Pursue, Consider Shifting Demographics

Published on Saturday, January 01, 2005

As we enter 2005, global demographics are shifting at an accelerated pace. This is causing certain national markets to expand while others contract—all while shaping the world economy.

In specific countries, consumer income is increasing resulting in healthier imports. In others, a rising median age is affecting consumer needs, preferences and tastes. If incorporated in your global trade and investment strategy, this information can be extremely valuable.

The First Step

Conduct research to identify the locations of tomorrow’s growing and declining markets. Determine consumer needs and demands, understand how tastes may change, and project future levels of disposable incomes. Sound difficult? Read on.

By studying shifts in world demographics, you can pinpoint where tomorrow’s major populations will live, identify the fastest-growing age groups —an important indicator of tastes and needs—and predict, based on similar demographics elsewhere, demand for your products or services.

Once you have completed your research, the next step is simple. Concentrate on those regions that hold the most marketing promise and put the others on hold. You may want to take the analysis further, by categorizing geographically and demographically where your most serious efforts should be directed.

Locate Tomorrow’s Largest Population Centers Today

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the world’s total population surpassed 6.4 billion in January 2005. This is anticipated to exceed 7 billion by 2013.

Where will those people live in the first quarter of the twenty-first century? Following long-established geographic and cultural patterns, almost all of the net population growth (the difference between births and deaths) will occur in developing countries located in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

For example, by 2013, China’s population is expected to reach almost 1.4 billion, followed by India’s, projected at 1.2 billion. Indonesia follows at 268 million, Brazil at 201 million, Pakistan at 190 million, and Bangladesh at 169 million. Note: In 2013 the United States is projected to be the third most populous country with 317 million people.

Don’t Just Focus on Average Income

Average per capita income in developing countries is understandably low as compared with developed countries. In 2004, for example, U.S. gross domestic product per capita was approximately $39,000. On the other hand, per capita income in China was about $1,100 and only $530 in India.

Based on these figures, some U.S. exporters may conclude that consumers in China or India can’t afford their products or services. That could prove to be a costly mistake.

In terms of buying power, general per capita income figures can be misleading. For instance, India is estimated to have a middle class of more than 200 million people with the same purchasing power as the U.S. middle class. For just about all exporters and investors, a new and relatively affluent market of 200 million plus consumers is well worth pursuing.

Review Fastest Growing Age Groups

Since the 1970s, the average life span shot up about 11 years. This increased longevity has contributed to global population growth and is leading to a shifting age demographic characterized by higher proportions of the elderly. As a result, over the next two decades the age structure of world population will continue to shift, with older age groups making up an increasingly larger share of the total. In fact, the number of people age 65 and over is estimated to more than double. The greatest relative increase will occur in developing countries, while the largest absolute change will take place in Asia. The bottom line: by 2020, two-thirds of the world’s elderly will live in developing countries.

As this age shift occurs, the elderly population in the United States and the rest of the developed world will increase by more than 50 percent. How will this affect demand for your products or services?

Tailor Your Products or Services To Suit Aging Populations

As the world’s elderly population increases, demand for products and services designed to satisfy its needs also will increase.

For example, Americans over the age of 50 tend to use significantly more pharmaceutical products than any other segment of the population. As the world’s population continues to age in both developed and developing countries, the demand for health-related products, as well as home care, is anticipated to skyrocket. Exporters and investors may wish to consider investigating this market segment in depth.

Follow the Median

As the elderly population grows in numbers, the median age of the world’s people will continue to rise as well. Not to be confused with average age, the median means half of the population will be above and half below the age cited.

In 1998, the median age was 24 in less developed nations, and 37 in more developed countries. However, by 2025, the median ages will rise to 30 and 43, respectively. Keep in mind: these people grew up in an increasingly sophisticated age in terms of technology, communications and consumer products.

Many of these age groups were influenced by United States’ culture; as youngsters they listened to rock ‘n roll, wore blue jeans, and enjoyed American-style burgers and fries. This also is a generation that has become better educated, built an expanding middle class and is enjoying a more affluent lifestyle.

What implications does this have for consumer spending? According to Harry S. Dent, Jr., author of The Roaring 2000s Investor, on average, Americans enter the workforce at age 19, get married at age 25.5 (27 for men and 24 for women), bear their first children two years later, and purchase their first homes at age 33 or 34. They trade up to the largest homes they’ll own by 44, and fully furnish them by age 46.5 or 47.

Interestingly, the average American also reaches peak spending at about 46, the same time the kids leave home. Dent observes that empty-nest couples then spend more on vacation homes, travel and leisure. They also become prospects for investment services and products as they approach retirement age.

Developed Country Spending Patterns Are Similar to Those in U.S.

Spending patterns in other developed nations are similar to those in the United States. As a result, it’s reasonable to assume that as the median age rises in those countries, consumer spending also will rise. Depending on your products or services, closely targeting these consumers may be a sound strategic decision.