Xiamen International Trade Group proposes a new path for global supply chain expansion: from trader to value chain integrator

Event Overview

From June 28 to 29, 2026, the 3rd Global Expansion Summit was held at Resorts World Sentosa in Singapore. Xiamen ITG Group Corp., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "Xiamen ITG") was invited to attend as an industry partner. In his keynote speech, Executive Vice President Rong Kunming proposed a new path for the globalization of supply chains—from global trader to industrial partner, and ultimately to value chain integrator. This path offers a fresh perspective on how Chinese supply chain enterprises can enhance their competitiveness amid the global industrial restructuring.

Supply Chain Background

Chinese supply chain enterprises have long operated under the traditional trade model of "buying globally, selling globally," relying on China's manufacturing advantages and price arbitrage. However, with the reorganization of global supply chains, rising geopolitical risks, AI-driven technology transformation, and accelerated industrial globalization, the risk exposure of a single trade model has increased. Enterprises need to shift from trade intermediaries to deeply participating in the global industrial division of labor, creating long-term value by integrating resources and connecting industrial ecosystems. Xiamen ITG's transformation practice is a microcosm of this trend.

Corporate Decision-Making Logic

• Xiamen ITG's decision-making logic is based on three dimensions:
• Localized Operations: Establish self-operated warehousing, processing, and logistics facilities in key regions to embed into the local industrial ecosystem. For example, operating the floating storage facility ITG Amoy in Singapore and being approved to participate in the Platts fuel oil pricing window—becoming the only floating storage operated by a Chinese enterprise in that window—indicating an enhanced voice in global pricing.
• Full Value Chain Participation: Build a complete chain in Vietnam, from local woodchip procurement, processing, and warehousing to shipping with its own vessels, achieving "from forest to port" end-to-end services. In Uzbekistan, after a decade of deep cultivation, it has upgraded from cotton yarn trading to a comprehensive supply chain service covering the entire industrial chain.
• Technology-Driven: Advance an AI-empowered supply chain strategy, developing an iron ore intelligent decision-making model that combines proprietary supply chain data and artificial intelligence to improve market forecasting capabilities and supply chain resilience.

These decisions reflect the strategic intent of shifting from short-term opportunity chasing to long-term value creation.

Supply Chain Impact

For Suppliers and Manufacturers Xiamen ITG collaborates with Indonesian steel mills, providing integrated services covering raw material procurement, logistics, and international resource allocation, reducing manufacturers' procurement costs and delivery cycles. In Vietnam, the woodchip business integrates local suppliers, stabilizes raw material sources, and improves inventory turnover efficiency.

For Logistics Companies Self-operated floating storage and own woodchip vessels enhance logistics control, reduce reliance on external carriers, and improve transparency of transportation efficiency through participation in pricing windows.

For Procurement and Inventory Systems Through localized warehousing and processing, enterprises shorten delivery cycles and reduce safety stock levels. The AI model optimizes procurement decisions and mitigates price fluctuation risks.

For Regional Industrial Chains In Uzbekistan, expansion from single cotton yarn trading to comprehensive supply chain services helps strengthen local manufacturing and enhances regional industrial chain synergy.### Impact on Regional Industrial Chains

In Uzbekistan, the business has expanded from single cotton yarn trading to comprehensive supply chain services, helping local manufacturing strengthen and enhancing the synergy of regional industrial chains.

Regional Impact

• Asia: Singapore, as a global commodity pricing center, Xiamen ITG’s floating storage participation not only strengthens its position in the Southeast Asian fuel oil market but also demonstrates Chinese enterprises’ penetration into Asia’s pricing mechanisms. The wood chip business in Vietnam consolidates its position in the Southeast Asian forest product supply chain.
• Central Asia: The layout in Uzbekistan makes Xiamen ITG a bridge connecting the supply chains of China and Central Asia, promoting regional connectivity.
• Middle East and Africa: Although direct involvement is currently limited, as the company’s global network expands, it may extend its business to these regions in the future through the “cluster globalization” model.
• Europe and North America: Current impact is small, but as a value chain integrator, entry may require technical cooperation or mergers and acquisitions.

Future Trends

• The “cluster globalization” model proposed by Xiamen ITG—where upstream and downstream enterprises in the industrial chain go global together with complementary capabilities and shared resources—may become the mainstream for future internationalization of Chinese supply chain companies. It is expected that in the next 1-5 years, more Chinese supply chain companies will:
• Shift from trading to localized manufacturing and services to enhance regional supply chain resilience;
• Increase investment in AI and digitalization to optimize procurement, inventory, and logistics decisions;
• Participate in global commodity pricing mechanisms to enhance supply chain transparency;
• Promote sustainable supply chain practices under ESG requirements.

Key Conclusions

Xiamen ITG’s transformation shows that Chinese supply chain enterprises are evolving beyond traditional trading roles into global value chain integrators. Through localized deep cultivation, technology empowerment, and cluster collaboration, companies can reduce risk exposure, improve efficiency, and create long-term value. This path has demonstrative significance for reshaping global supply chain networks.