Trade Talk: Andy Zhuang

The world’s trade landscape is rapidly shifting, with China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) extending its influence across Asia, Africa and beyond. But as the U.S. continues to ramp up pressure through tariffs, some European companies are reassessing their relationships and looking East for potential partnerships.

At the center of this evolving dynamic is Andy Zhuang, managing director of Varamar’s China office. As a Chinese businessman working for a Belgium-based company, Andy has a unique vantage point from which to discuss the benefits and challenges of doing business with Chinese companies internationally. In this Q&A, he shares his thoughts on where the biggest opportunities lie, what pitfalls to avoid and how Chinese companies can make the most of Breakbulk Europe.

From Issue 3, 2025 of Breakbulk Magazine.

Q: What opportunities do you see for Chinese companies doing business overseas?

Andy Zhuang: The Belt and Road Initiative has led to a large number of infrastructure construction projects from Asia to Europe to Africa and even other regions, increasing the demand for breakbulk shipping to transport machinery, equipment and other materials. As China’s government policies are steadily implemented and continuously effective, the landscape of foreign cooperation is expanding with remarkable achievements.

In Africa, relying on a series of investment and construction projects, China has comprehensively upgraded local infrastructure, ranging from transportation hubs to energy facilities. This has injected strong impetus into Africa’s economic takeoff, and China is working hand in hand with African countries towards a new journey of development.

In cooperation with the Middle East region, adhering to the core concept of mutual benefit and win-win results, China has reached a stable and diversified two-way investment consensus with Middle Eastern consortia. China has been deeply engaged in various fields such as energy, finance, and technology, opening up a bright path of win-win cooperation, achieving resource sharing and complementary advantages, and propelling both sides to forge ahead in the global economic tide.

As China’s economic influence grows globally, Chinese companies can use their cost-effective advantages to participate in more international projects. The growing global demand for energy and resources also provides opportunities for Chinese companies to participate in related development projects overseas.

Q: What are some of the challenges Chinese companies face when doing business overseas?

Zhuang: There are often cultural differences and language barriers in overseas projects, which may lead to misunderstandings and communication difficulties in project implementation, however, Varamar should also be highly vigilant against the advancement of the tariff policy of the Trump administration in the United States. It is currently unclear whether other Western countries will follow suit – it will kill more business.

Q: How do you see the future of breakbulk trade between China and Europe?

Zhuang: Chinese project owners and shippers may see opportunities for growth in breakbulk trade with Europe. As the economy recovers, infrastructure construction and industrial development in Europe will drive demand for breakbulk cargo such as machinery, equipment, EV car batteries and building materials. The deepening of cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative may also promote more trade exchanges between China and Europe. However, they may also be concerned about challenges such as trade barriers, policy changes from Trump and competition from other regions.

Q: How are trade routes evolving, and what does that mean for breakbulk shipping?

Zhuang: Shifts in traditional trade routes are anticipated. Factors involved include the rise of emerging economies, which changes the pattern of global trade and makes trade routes more diverse. Technological advancements in transportation and communication reduce costs and increase efficiency, enabling the development of new trade routes.

Especially as the situation in the Red Sea remains uncertain and without a final verdict, it poses both perils and prospects for shipowners. In addition, the construction of new infrastructure such as ports and railways, as well as the adjustment of regional trade policies, will also affect trade routes.

Q: How is China’s approach to technology and innovation impacting the shipping industry?

Zhuang: China is elevating AI, robotics and drone technologies to unprecedented strategic priority – achieving breakthroughs in critical areas like core algorithms and precision manufacturing, while leveraging national top-down design to build a “government-industry-academia-research-application” integrated innovation ecosystem.

This technological momentum is now creating a ripple effect in the NEV (new energy vehicle) sector: Chinese automakers are accelerating globalization through iterative smart driving systems and digital supply chain overhauls, capitalizing on their tech-first advantage.

This impact is cascading into the shipping value chain – for example BYD has strategically commissioned 8 dedicated RoRo vessels to form an end-to-end ‘R&D-production-maritime’ while Chery is deploying 10 strategically customized RoRos to support their supplier chain.

Q: What are the biggest areas of potential collaboration between Chinese and European companies?

Zhuang: Chinese companies could showcase their products, technologies and services, and exhibit at Breakbulk Europe to increase brand awareness. They can also participate in various seminars and networking activities to learn about the latest industry trends and market information.

Taking into account various factors such as cultural differences and geopolitics, in my personal opinion, it is advisable to seek out compatible partners. The two sides can invest in each other’s fleets, support one another and integrate resources of all kinds. This approach not only enables them to avoid the challenges of going it alone but also paves the way for business expansion.

Q: What kinds of companies are Chinese exhibitors most interested in meeting?

Zhuang: Chinese companies may want to meet decision-makers from leading EPCs, oil and gas companies, energy companies, mining and metals producers, and manufacturers. They also hope to connect with global shippers, project forwarders and other industry professionals to expand their business networks.

Varamar will be exhibiting at Breakbulk Europe 2025.

TOP PHOTO: Varamar China handles overlength pipe shipment from China to Dublin Port. CREDIT: Varamar