Some industry commentators think that the volume of imports from China and other parts of the Far East will either stabilise or reduce as oil prices increase. When the global economy begins to grow, oil prices may rise; manufacturers are beginning to consider what the effects of this would be. Some manufacturers are thinking about moving production closer to western consumer markets. Although labour costs would be higher,this may be offset by reducing the number of transport miles when oil prices are high. Studies suggest that Asian trade with the west is vulnerable to increased oil prices.