CHINA

Steady growth of the electronics market is expected to continue throughout 2014, as the ubiquity of smartphones and tablets drives the sales of audio-visual products, accessories and wearable electronics. Falling costs have opened up both the commercial and domestic markets to 3D printers, while the increasing global popularity of e-tailing has boosted electronics sales, particularly for medium-priced items. More

There is a consensus that LED and green lighting will continue to be their lead business focus, notwithstanding the keen market competition. While many are keeping an eye on the emerging markets – particularly China and ASEAN - there is also renewed optimism toward North America and Western Europe. On the whole, a steady lighting demand is expected in 2014, according to the survey conducted by HKTDC Research at the Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition). More

The many incidents involving food safety and quality on the Chinese mainland over recent years have undermined consumers’ confidence in local food, driving some of them to turn to imported and international branded packaged food and beverages. From 2008 to 2012, China’s packaged food and beverage market grew by an average 15.2% annually, way above the world’s average at 4.1%, underscoring mainland consumers’ growing appetite for these products. More

The Electronics Fair 2013 (Spring Edition) saw attendees optimistic about the coming year, as industry players are largely optimistic about developments across the majority of the world’s markets. This upbeat outlook is partly due to the robust sales of smartphones and tablets, with a fall in the retail prices of both expected to boost demand. The star performer, though, is likely to be audio-visual equipment, largely seen as set to enjoy the highest sales growth in 2013. More