A weak U.S. dollar, desire to expand into new markets — and save on soaring transportation costs — and receptive local governments are prompting more Chinese companies to establish operations in America. Though a desire to get closer to potential U.S. customers was his primary rationale, the CEO of one Chinese company found that real estate and electricity costs in South Carolina are far lower than what he pays in China. While labor costs are higher — $12 to $13 an hour, considerably more than the $2 earned by Chinese workers — the company will narrow that gap with a tax credit of $1,500 per employee it will receive from South Carolina.