China Plus One Strategy Puts Dimerco at the Center of Supply Chain Diversification
On the Hammer Down podcast, host Mike Bush interviews Dimerco Express Group CEO Jeffrey Shih about how the China Plus One strategy is reshaping global freight forwarding. Shih explains how Dimerco leverages its on-the-ground presence in Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia to help manufacturers diversify away from single-source dependence on China. The conversation also covers tariff unpredictability, geopolitical risk, and why supply chain careers remain a strong long-term choice.
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Key takeaways
Dimerco supports manufacturers shifting operations to Southeast Asia through localized logistics infrastructure in Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia.
Tariff volatility and U.S.-China trade tensions are forcing companies to constantly adapt sourcing strategies with deep regional expertise.
Supply chain and freight forwarding careers have demonstrated lasting relevance, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic's spotlight on logistics.
Freight forwarding faces a crossroads amid shifting global trade dynamics. The rise of the "China Plus One" strategy, driven by escalating geopolitical tensions and tariff pressures, forces companies to rethink supply chain resilience. According to McKinsey & Company, more than 60 percent of companies across sectors are actively redesigning their global supplier base to mitigate risk. Many are turning to alternative manufacturing hubs in Southeast Asia, seeking greater agility and regional balance.
More than 60 percent of companies across sectors are actively redesigning their global supplier base to mitigate risk.
How can freight forwarders remain essential as manufacturers diversify sourcing away from China?
On Hammer Down at Manifest Vegas, host Mike Bush speaks with Jeffrey Shih, CEO of Dimerco Express Group, to explore how his company supports customers navigating supply chain shifts, tariff threats, and regional diversification. The conversation covers Dimerco's strategy in Southeast Asia, its evolving customer base, and how the China Plus One strategy is shaping both logistics solutions and long-term freight planning.
Key Points from the Episode:
- China Plus One in Action: Dimerco plays a critical role in helping manufacturers expand operations into Southeast Asia to reduce overreliance on China. Their on-the-ground presence in Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia supports faster, localized logistics solutions.
- Navigating Tariffs and Geopolitics: Shih discusses how Dimerco advises clients on sourcing strategies amid ongoing trade tensions involving the U.S., China, and emerging markets like Mexico. Tariff unpredictability and regulatory complexity require constant adaptation and deep local insight.
- Supply Chain Careers Have Staying Power: Shih encourages young professionals to consider freight forwarding as a long-term career, underscoring its importance highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic and its continued relevance in today's interconnected economy.
Jeffrey Shih is the CEO of Dimerco Express Group and brings over 35 years of global experience in supply chain and logistics. His career includes leadership roles across Asia and the U.S., overseeing international freight, warehousing operations, and cross-cultural team management. Shih is known for driving customer value, fostering long-term partnerships, and leading with a strong focus on people development.
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About the author
Beginning his career by learning how to tell a brand’s story, leveraging marcom to build market share, utilizing PR to get people engaged, and innovating trust-based relationships between products and people, He took on diverse challenges and continually grew. Mike created the first ever SEO practice in Washington DC — generating $10M+ in revenue for 10+ clients. Throughout my career, Mike gained unique experiences such as spearheading marcom for a company after a real-time suicide (incident inspired a Law & Order SVU episode) with minimal negative publicity. And advising a client in PR best practices after an employee had committed a highly publicized terrorist attack in the US. Company was able to maintain all major financial relationships (JPM, BofA, Well Fargo, AmEx, etc.). He worked for a leader in the automotive services industry — building a reputation as nationally recognized expert on road rage (including an appearance on Court TV as a Subject Matter Expert). This included creating media that generated 100M+ impressions.
