I don't think there is the slightest possibility of a boycott voluntary or otherwise, of Chinese products. I was under the impression but will apologise humbly if I am wrong, but don't Free Spirit build their rods in the UK on imported blanks, hardly made in England.

In reply to Post #44
If they use the best - "Toray" then that's Japanese made, but I remember a boss of a UK Rod manufacturer once telling me the South Korean Carbon was becoming the best - was few years ago thou.

In reply to Post #39
I think it's a good thing, Russia and Putin are neutrals who have been blamed for most things and seen as a threat by previous US administrations to keep the public thinking there protecting them! Similar to N Korea which is a CIA state in reality!

In reply to Post #47
Looks like they probably do LINK

The fact they have a table showing the properties with a link to the Toray website is probably a clue

wonder if the government would consider a 'Made In Britain' accreditation scheme with sensible qualification clauses. Something like at least 50% of the materials sourced within the UK and 75% of the manufacture, something like that. They could even have a rating system say A (100% British sourced and made), B (50%) and C (25%). Something like that. Yes there would need to be a Standard written and an auditing body etc but I think many people would buy into that.

In reply to Post #50
Loads of people would probably have to involuntarily buy into it.
Remember it cost 5 million just for some poxy letters from no.10
What would that system set the taxpayer back and how many loopholes would they leave for fellow golf and country club members to exploit

In reply to Post #50
“Made in Britain” is not a problem, but materials can only be obtained from the location they are sourced.

Bit like this example – I drink Yorkshire tea, but there are no Tea plantations in Yorkshire, but there is the skill/experience to take a raw ingredient and make it into something special

In reply to Post #51
I'm guessing that moving even 5% of production from China to UK is just impossible.

I'd doubt we have the workforce or infrastructure.

Also, feelings might be high at the moment but give it 6 months after the peak and people will just go back to buying Chinese made because it's cheaper.

In reply to Post #53
I don't think so – this is different, I speak to many firms on a weekly basis (None fishing related) and all of them are “Frightened” of the sheer influx of work that's been brought back to the UK, and these are companies with very full orders books anyway, but they will cope I'm sure.

This unnecessary Covid pandemic is the one that really has “Broke the Camel's back!” as regards China.

In reply to Post #40
Dp

In reply to Post #40
I certainly do NOT require permission from you to carry on or otherwise.
Nobody has stated or implied anywhere that every person in china is responsible, there is no tarred brush.
And nobody is being xenophobic.
You are trying over emotional social justice warrior non sense and getting absolutely nowhere.

The appalling condition live animals are treated in china is a disgrace to nature.
It should stop.

In reply to Post #54
I really hope you're right Keith

In reply to Post #52
What piece of fishing gear would fall in that tea section?

In reply to Post #57
I hope you're right mate. To be honest there will still be demand for cheap tackle, but it doesn't have to come from China. Plenty of other places around the world that manufacturing can shift to. And it will.

I will not knowingly buy Chinese though for the future. It's not just this pandemic...it's human rights, animal rights etc etc. **** them.

In reply to Post #59
Obviously all that is made with materials not available in the Country that the product in manufactured, be it UK, France, and Germany etc.............

If you want the best Cork for a Rod's handle you go Portugal.

If you want Titanium you go Russia or China, there's no Titanium mines in Europe.

If you want good Whisky you go Scotland and proper Tweed.

That's reality.