And there is the threat of competition from Asian manufacturers that can undercut Worksman's prices.

Chery is not the only Asian manufacturer expected to make news in Paris.

But its status as the No. 1 exporter to the region is under heavy attack by aggressive Asian manufacturers.

Elsewhere, low-cost Asian manufacturers have driven down the price of hammers and, some say, their quality.

Most were unable to compete with the inexpensive electronic movements produced by Asian manufacturers, which flooded the market during the 1960s and 1970s.

Warnaco is trying to strengthen its sleepwear business as well as relationships with Asian manufacturers.

Production, he said, is consolidating into fewer hands in preparation for 1992 and increased competition from Asian manufacturers.

Almost every store owner and vendor refused to reveal the names of their Asian manufacturers.

But Asian and European manufacturers are also moving aggressively.

Asian manufacturers thus have a competitive advantage over European manufacturers.