Asks whether China will be able to sustain its current rate of economic growth and compete in the North American market, by comparing manufacturing practices in China and North America. Uses data obtained by questionnaire from companies in the non‐fashion textile and small machine‐tool industries. Considers three factors that differentiate the two regions: asset management, market responsiveness, and manufacturing management. Concludes that the differences are substantial and that it is unlikely that China will penetrate the markets of industrialised countries.