China Sourcing Report features quality export suppliers of dolls, action figures, building blocks, construction sets and play vehicles
HONG KONG, Sept. 7 /PRNewswire-Asia-FirstCall/ -- In spite of stricter product standards implemented in the U.S. and the EU, most surveyed China suppliers plan to continue strengthening exports to these markets, according to Global Sources' (Nasdaq: GSOL) China Sourcing Report: Toys & Games
( http://www.chinasourcingreports.com/toysgames ).
(Logo: http://www.prnasia.com/sa/200708071747.jpg )
"Even amid the major economic slowdown in the U.S. and EU markets, these remain the top export markets for China's toy and game manufacturers," said report publisher, Spenser Au.
"However, new product legislation is forcing suppliers to conduct a greater amount of testing and to use more expensive raw materials. Despite the higher costs of compliance, most manufacturers said they are keeping prices stable to boost demand and gain market share."
Among toy and game manufacturers' biggest challenges for the next 12 months:
* 47 percent cited stricter overseas compliance standards;
* 19 percent said price competition; and
* 19 percent cited the cost of raw materials.
Fifty-one percent of manufacturers interviewed for the report said the E.U. is expected to be their main market in the next 12 months, while 29 percent plan to boost shipments to the U.S.
At the same time, many suppliers are fast-tracking efforts to strengthen their foothold in emerging markets such as Africa, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and South and Central America.
China toy and game manufacturers optimistic about future, investing in R&D
Au said: "Since last year, nearly half of China's toy manufacturers have shut down. Surviving manufacturers, particularly on the low-end, are finding their margins have all but disappeared. This has led a significant number of suppliers to invest more in R&D to create differentiated products that can generate higher margins."
Among suppliers surveyed, 81 percent said they are increasing investment in R&D and other capital expenditures, with about one-third increasing spending by more than 20 percent.
"Suppliers are upgrading product lines with the expectation that the market may recover in the next 12 months," Au said. "More than half of respondents predicted exports to grow in the year ahead.
"Based on the surveys, buyers sourcing from the region can expect to find a larger number of higher-end products available at prices that today's more frugal consumers are willing to pay."
In-Factory interviews, price forecasts and new toy & game models
The 98-page China Sourcing Report: Toys & Games provides detailed profiles of 21 suppliers with verified manufacturing and export credentials and contact details of an additional 16 exporters. It includes a Product Gallery featuring 96 of the most popular export models, with key specifications and full-color pictures.
The Report's surveys, price trends and supply forecasts aim to help buyers make better-informed purchasing decisions.
Specialized Global Sources websites, trade shows, magazines and research reports
China Sourcing Reports are part of Global Sources' sourcing and product information services. These include Global Sources Online
( http://www.globalsources.com ), China Sourcing Fairs
( http://www.chinasourcingfair.com ) and Global Sources trade magazines
( http://www.globalsources.com/SITE/MAGAZINES.HTM ). For more information, visit http://www.corporate.globalsources.com .
The China Sourcing Report: Toys & Games is available for purchase at http://www.chinasourcingreports.com/toysgames .
Free information about China toy and game suppliers and products can be found at http://www.chinasuppliers.globalsources.com/china-suppliers/Toys.htm
About Global Sources
Global Sources is a leading business-to-business media company and a primary facilitator of trade with Greater China. The core business uses English-language media to facilitate trade from Greater China to the world. The other business segment utilizes Chinese-language media to enable companies to sell to, and within Greater China.
The company provides sourcing information to volume buyers and integrated marketing services to suppliers. It helps a community of over 829,000 active buyers source more profitably from complex overseas supply markets. With the goal of providing the most effective ways possible to advertise, market and sell, Global Sources enables suppliers to sell to hard-to-reach buyers in over 240 countries.
The company offers the most extensive range of media and export marketing services in the industries it serves. It delivers information on 4.3 million products and more than 196,000 suppliers annually through 14 online marketplaces, 13 monthly magazines, over 100 sourcing research reports and 12 specialized trade shows which run 29 times a year across 10 cities.
Suppliers receive more than 81 million sales leads annually from buyers through Global Sources Online ( http://www.globalsources.com ) alone.
Global Sources has been facilitating global trade for 38 years. Global Sources' network covers more than 60 cities worldwide. In mainland China, Global Sources has over 2,500 team members in more than 40 locations, and a community of over 1 million registered online users and magazine readers for its Chinese-language media.
Global Sources Press Contact in Asia
Camellia So
Tel: +852-2555-5021
Email: cso@globalsources.com
Global Sources Press Contact in U.S.
James W.W. Strachan
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Email: strachan@globalsources.com
Global Sources Investor Contact in Asia
Investor Relations Department
Tel: +852-2555-4777
Email: investor@globalsources.com
Global Sources Investor Contact in U.S.
Kirsten Chapman & Timothy Dien
Lippert/Heilshorn & Associates, Inc.
Tel: +1-415-433-3777
Email: tdien@lhai.com
