Sharp Labor Shortage in China May Lead to World Trade Shift.

This article examines labor shortages in hundreds of Chinese factories that could lead to a shift in world trade. Wages are being increased and the country's middle class is expanding which could mean higher prices for Chinese-made products worldwide. International companies are considering moving factories to lower cost countries such as Vietnam. One benefit of the shortage is the improvement of working conditions and the addition of incentives and benefits to lure prospective employees.