China products in Nigeria: Price versus quality

In recent times, China has become the largest destination for importers from all over the world. All kinds of goods ranging from household items to industrial machineries are produced and sold at very cheap prices in China. The belief by an average consumer is that China products are usually fake. But industry analysts argue that this percent is wrong. According to them, not all products made in China are fake as many of these products are among the best in the world.

Made in China products including clothing, toys and technology items are quite common and popular in Nigeria, as in many other parts of the world.

However, the quality of China imports in Nigeria is increasingly coming into question.

Before now, China products were popular for their competitive prices and reasonable quality and style.

The quality of the products have also come into question now and again in the US but some interest groups say the problem in that case was more political than quality related. They said the US was concerned about the volume of China products being imported into its space and the implications on the local employment market.

China has become a major exporter  of goods to many parts of the world over the years, because it has developed its technology base remarkably and has relatively low labour costs.

A trip by our reporter to Balogun market in Lagos Island, revealed large numbers of Chinese traders and shops in operation.

Also, their popularity was affirmed by the hoards of Nigerian shoppers who come from different parts of Lagos and beyond, to patronize them.

  Products on sale included household appliances, baby products, fashion accessories, plastic plates and cups, clothing among other items.

Chinese products are also seen in major markets like the Computer Village, Alaba International Market, Trade Fair Auto Spare Parts Market popularly called Aspanda and Westminister, among others and almost all the markets are swamped with made-in-China goods.

A curious aspect are the Chinese made look-alikes of popular European and American brands.

Nigerians love and use mobile phones of various models and the mobile phones market in Nigeria alone has kept some Asian companies in business and their businesses have done so well that they have moved a large chunk of their business to Nigeria.

Also the Computer Village at Ikeja is not left out. For instance, consider a situation where you buy a phone with two SIMs, TV, games, radio and too many functions, only a made-in-China phone could have such numerous functions and sold at a very low price, even if it lasts for just a few months.

Same thing goes for computer accessories – if you buy some made-in-China flash drives or mouse, it is said they may not last very long.

According to Ayobami a computer instructor and dealer in computer wares “It is common to see different flash drives with brand names, such as LG, Sony, Panasonic or HP written on them, but on a closer examination, you would discover that they are made in China and not the original versions”.

Abayomi further said, that “people prefer these Chinese products because they are not very expensive. One thing you should know is that we buy what is in demand and whether we like it or not, we must buy them because we must sell”.

Another trader, Seun Alao, says, “these Chinese products are the ones our money can buy and with them we can make some money. Some of them are original and these are expensive. There are also the low quality and some are pirated products”.

Joyce Edem, says “for a very long time now, I could not afford a washing machine, but two years ago, I came across a dealer on mini washing machines made-in-China and it was affordable so I got one for myself. I am still using it till date. It might not be of an extra superior quality, but it is meeting my needs. I also have a Chinese made blender that I have been using for a while and the beauty of it is that it does not require electricity to work,” she concludes.

Today, perhaps up to half of goods on display in shops around Nigeria carry ‘made in China’ tags.

Also, apart from pushing their products through Nigerian traders, Chines traders and outlets are visible in cities such as Lagos, Portharcourt and Abuja.

Other governments concerned about the quality of China exports have engaged the relevant agencies directly to seek solution. Also, countries such as the US have clearly spelt out and reasonably enforced standards for imports. Perhaps Nigeria needs to do more of this. Also, in many cases, it is said that Nigerian importers are usually culpable in the matter of poor quality products from countries such as China. It is said that the Nigerian traders ask for low quality products in a bid to maximise profits.

Anne  Agbaje