The Impact of Buyer's Tariff Pass-Through on Chinese Suppliers - Test

Thank you for participating in this study. In this research, we focus on how Chinese suppliers perceive and respond to the tariff pass-through behaviors of their U.S. buyers.

In previous research, some respondents may feel that their answers on a questionnaire do not necessarily reflect the choices they would make in a real business environment. Please imagine that the business scenario presented here is actually taking place in your company's current relationship with a buyer, and answer accordingly. We have also found that some respondents tend to rush through surveys or answer without reading the questions carefully, which significantly reduces the value of the research findings. Therefore, please take a moment to read each question thoroughly and answer as honestly and accurately as possible.

In the following section, you will first read a business scenario describing how a buyer is handling decisions related to U.S. tariffs. After reading the scenario, please answer a series of questions based solely on that scenario. Please follow the instructions below:

1. 1. Before answering any question, make sure to read the scenario description carefully.

1. 2. Please respond as the supplier manager described in the scenario.
2. 3. There are no right or wrong answers in this survey; we are interested in your genuine professional judgment.
3. 4. If you are unsure, please select the option that best reflects your judgment in the given situation.
4. 5. Some questions are included to ensure attentiveness during the survey. Please answer them carefully.

In the following scenario, Almart represents a large U.S.-based retailer. The scenario itself is hypothetical, but similar events have occurred, or could occur, in your real buyer–supplier relationships. When answering, please imagine that your company is currently supplying Almart and that the decision described is affecting your company’s actual business. Please also assume that all other terms (such as order quantity, product specifications, quality, and service levels) remain unchanged.

Relationship backdrop:

You are the Key-Account Director at TylCo Home Manufacturing, a midsize Chinese Tier-OEM that produces private-label small kitchen appliances primarily for Almart U.S. Almart has sourced these items from you for seven years under an annual framework agreement. The buyer pays 60 days after each shipment arrives in the United States, and the relationship has generally been stable and profitable. TylCo and Almart use FOB Shanghai (Incoterms 2020). After the goods are on board in Shanghai, Almart assumes risk and onward costs and, as the importer of record, is responsible for all U.S. customs duties/tariffs at import.