A Message from Rob Wierenga, QC Centre** As we reach the halfway point of the year, it is the perfect time to reflect on the progress we’ve made at QC Centre. We are proud to share that our company has continued to grow and evolve, and none of this would be possible without the unwavering support of our valued customers. It is a privilege to work with partners like 4Phones Valkenswaard and Euro Mobile Centre Rotterdam, who have been instrumental in our success. This year has been one of great achievement, as we have worked diligently to enhance our services and offerings. At QC Centre, our focus has always been on two key pillars: product quality and customer experience. These are the foundations upon which we’ve built our reputation, and we are pleased to report that we continue to raise the bar in both areas.  Our team has been hard at work to fine-tune processes and implement new solutions to better meet the evolving needs of our customers. Whether it’s through refining our sourcing capabilities, improving quality control protocols, or enhancing our packaging and shipping procedures, we’ve made it our mission to ensure that every step of our service adds value to your business. We understand that the marketplace is always changing, and we are committed to staying ahead of the curve. Our dedication to continuous improvement is what drives us to do more, to be better, and to provide our clients with the best possible service. We recognize that our customers expect not only the highest quality products but also a seamless and efficient experience. We take great pride in our ability to deliver on that promise time and again. Looking ahead, we are excited to expand and deepen our partnerships with existing clients and explore new opportunities for collaboration. The second half of the year presents a chance for us to build on the foundation we’ve established so far, and we’re committed to doing just that. We are focused on creating new solutions that will further enhance the value we bring to our customers and partners, and we look forward to seeing how these innovations will shape the future. Our success is truly a team effort, and it’s only made possible because of the trust our customers place in us. We are deeply grateful for the continued support from all of our partners, and we recognize that without this mutual trust and collaboration, we would not be where we are today.  In closing, I would like to take this opportunity to express our sincerest gratitude. To our loyal customers, thank you for choosing QC Centre as your partner. To our future partners, we are excited to work with you and build lasting relationships. We look forward to an even more successful second half of the year, where we will continue striving for excellence together. Here’s to achieving even greater success in the months ahead! **Rob Wierenga**  *QC Centre*

By Windy (Shenzhen, China) & Rob (Europe) Windy – Shenzhen, China The recent announcement that the United States will raise import tariffs on a wide range of Chinese products to 54% feels like a wall suddenly getting much higher. This move, aimed at protecting U.S. domestic production, especially hits industries like electronics, batteries, and mobile accessories — areas where China has long been a global leader. For many factories I work with daily here in Shenzhen — the tech and manufacturing hub of southern China — this means existing orders from the U.S. are being paused or even canceled. There’s now overcapacity in some categories. Interestingly, prices aren’t skyrocketing — instead, we’re seeing a slow but steady upward trend, especially for certain components. I expect the biggest pressure will come on integrated circuit (IC) parts, which often rely on U.S. technology and supply chains. At the same time, many suppliers are looking more closely at Europe: “Can we shift our focus there?” Lower demand from the U.S. pushes Chinese manufacturers to offer more competitive terms to European buyers. It’s an opportunity, but also a signal for strategic thinking on both sides. Rob – The Netherlands, Europe From a European perspective, I don’t see this as a crisis — I see it as a moment of reorientation. The growing tension between the U.S. and China is pushing European players to adapt faster and act smarter. While the Americans are locking their doors, Europe might just be opening a window — if we’re willing to invest in strong partnerships, reliability, and quality. For companies like Rixus, PixDura, and other players in the mobile phone parts and accessories market, this means we suddenly gain access to better conditions, shorter lead times, and even exclusive production capacity. Suppliers who were once focused on high-volume U.S. business now have the interest — and the bandwidth — to take European partners more seriously. But let’s be clear: this isn’t a free ride. We must ensure that our quality standards, compliance (think CE, REACH, etc.), and documentation (ProductIP!) are in order. That’s our responsibility — but also a key task for our colleagues in China, like Windy, who plays a vital role in ensuring consistency and communication.

By Rob Wierenga, QC Centre At QC Centre, we believe that quality extends far beyond the product itself. It encompasses every aspect of the supply chain, from sourcing to delivery. One of the cornerstones of our procurement philosophy is a commitment to environmental sustainability and ethical business practices. As we continue to grow, we are dedicated to partnering with suppliers who align with these values to ensure that our impact on the world is a positive one. The Role of Environmental Friendliness in Supplier Selection Environmental sustainability is a critical focus for us, as we strive to reduce the carbon footprint of our operations and the products we supply. Our selection process begins with an in-depth assessment of a supplier’s environmental practices. This includes evaluating their energy consumption, waste management protocols, use of sustainable materials, and carbon emissions. We prioritize suppliers who have adopted green practices, such as utilizing renewable energy sources, reducing waste through recycling initiatives, and offering products made from eco-friendly materials. Additionally, suppliers who demonstrate innovation in reducing their environmental impact through new technologies or processes are highly valued. We also seek certifications and standards that guarantee adherence to environmental laws and regulations, such as ISO 14001, which ensures that an organization’s environmental management system is effective and in line with international standards. By choosing suppliers who are certified or working towards such certifications, we can trust that they are genuinely committed to sustainability and not merely paying lip service to green marketing trends. Ethical Standards: A Foundation for Trust Equally important as environmental responsibility are the ethical standards upheld by our suppliers. QC Centre has a strict supplier code of conduct that covers labor practices, human rights, health and safety, and anti-corruption measures. We expect our suppliers to adhere to international labor standards, including fair wages, safe working conditions, and the prohibition of child labor or forced labor. Ethical sourcing is vital for us, as we want to ensure that the products we sell are not only of high quality but also produced under fair and humane conditions. Our supplier selection process includes audits and inspections to verify compliance with these ethical standards. Suppliers who demonstrate a commitment to providing fair wages, safe working conditions, and the protection of workers’ rights are preferred. Moreover, we favor suppliers who engage in transparent business practices and take responsibility for their entire supply chain, from raw material sourcing to final product delivery. We believe that ethical sourcing creates a ripple effect, encouraging others in the industry to adopt similar practices, leading to a broader positive impact. The QC Centre Commitment At QC Centre, we recognize that sustainability and ethics are not just buzzwords but are fundamental to creating a better future for everyone. We continuously review and improve our supplier selection criteria to ensure that we are working with companies that share our vision for a more sustainable and ethical world. By prioritizing environmental friendliness and ethical standards, we not only ensure the quality of the products we offer but also contribute to a supply chain that is conscious of its environmental and social impact. This approach allows us to build lasting, trustworthy relationships with suppliers who are committed to making a difference in the world, one product at a time. We are proud to work with suppliers who share our values and look forward to continuing to promote sustainability and ethical business practices in everything we do. Together, we can create a supply chain that benefits not only our customers but also the planet and its people.