ALMEIDA, CA -- The cost of manufacturing in China rose sharply last year, says analyst Charlie Barnhart of Technology Forecasters.

Barnhart, who develops case studies on procurement strategies, says a number of factors are pushing prices for electronics manufacturing services in China higher, and the trend is expected to continue.

"Chasing low-labor rates around the globe is not the answer," Barnhart wrote. He will produce a workshop on the topic on Jan. 17, in Chicago.