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More than 100,000 Buyers Take in Two HKTDC Electronics Fairs
Buyer Attendance Up, led by Visitors from Emerging Markets
HONG KONG, Oct 17, 2013 - (ACN Newswire) - More than 100,000 buyers, a new record, took part in the HKTDC Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Autumn Edition) and electronicAsia. The two fairs, which opened 13 October, ended their four-day run at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre yesterday.
Global Buyers
For the Electronics Fair, the largest of its kind in the world, buyer attendance was up six per cent. More than 68,000 buyers attended from some 140 countries and regions. Apart from Hong Kong, the majority of buyers came from the Chinese mainland, Taiwan, the United States, Korea, Japan, Russia, Australia, India, Germany and the United Kingdom. Attendance from the emerging markets surged, led by Poland, up 38 per cent, Mexico, up 35 per cent, Chile, up 28 per cent, Malaysia, up 16 per cent and Israel, up 15 per cent.
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) also organised 136 buying missions, representing more than 9,800 buyers, from around the world.
HKTDC Deputy Executive Director Benjamin Chau noted that Hong Kong's electronics exports can expect moderate growth in the coming year, as reflected by the preliminary buyer statistics and survey results. Asian markets, he said, show the most promise. Mr Chau pointed out that buyers from the US are on the rise again, and those from such European countries as France and Spain showed significant growth. According to Mr Chau, exhibitors reported receiving more European and US orders, a strong indication that these markets are recovering.
"Buyers and exhibitors alike are generally optimistic about the market's prospects," he added. "An increasing number of electronics products are incorporating new technology. The use of 3D printing in manufacturing is also becoming commonplace. As the cost of 3D printers drops, more small and medium-sized enterprises will be able to afford it, and sales will grow."
Survey Results
The HKTDC commissioned an independent survey agency to conduct surveys at the two electronics fairs, interviewing more than a thousand exhibitors and buyers. More than 90 per cent of the respondents believe that prospects in the coming year are better than or the same as 2013. The survey also found that, among emerging markets, exhibitors are particularly interested in Latin America, Russia and ASEAN. Buyers are looking for electronics accessories, personal electronics equipment, A/V products, smartphones/tablet computers and related accessories.
More than 4,000 companies exhibited their electronics products, parts and components at the two fairs. These included such internationally known brands as Fujitsu, Panasonic, Toshiba, LG and Intel. Local chains participating included Broadway, Fortress and City Super.
The local procurement offices of a variety of overseas companies, including Metro, Myer, Sears, Schneider Electric and Woolworths, sent buyers to the fairs. Chozo Nakaya, President of Japan's AEON Topvalu Co Ltd, led about a dozen senior executives to the Electronics Fair for the first time. The company was said to be interested mostly in small home appliances.
High on Latin America
Charles Chan, Managing Director of Hong Kong's Tunbow Holdings Ltd, an exhibitor at the Electronics Fair, was optimistic about electronics exports. Along with traditional markets such as Europe and the US, his company has seen growth of up to 25 per cent per year from Latin America. "Small domestic appliances are home necessities; distinctive product features and trendy design are what it takes to win consumer support."
Princess' Managing Director Ton Jonkman also noted that such emerging markets as Latin America and Asia are rapidly rising. He said that the Hong Kong company entered the Chinese mainland market last year and expects that it will grow threefold this year. "We are very optimistic about next year's prospects," he added.
Sebastien Caballoue, Vice President of Business Development (Europe) for exhibitor Truly Semiconductors Ltd, said that Europe and the US are gradually emerging from the financial crisis, and that recovery is proceeding well. As for product trends, he noted that "mobile phone displays are becoming larger and colour automotive GPS displays more popular."
Martin Brown, Sales Manager of UK exhibitor The Dezac Group, said that the company's beauty products are popular with Asian buyers. The company, which has taken part in the Electronics Fair for the past five years, focused on electronic beauty products this year, with good results. "We have received some 200 enquiries - more than last year. Among them, the Asian and South American buyers show the most potential."
Small-Order Zone Proves Popular
The Small-Order Zone showcased more than 4,500 products, available in quantities from 20 to 1,000. The zone was popular, attracting some 18,000 buyers and generating over 19,000 business enquiries. Some 300 exhibitors also showcased "Small-Order Select" and "New Product Highlights" at the zone to attract buyers.
Vorapot Techathadakul, Assistant Vice President for Thai home product retailer Home Product Center Public Company Ltd, said his company had identified more than 20 potential suppliers at the fair. The company is interested in gadgets and accessories for smart devices, air purifiers, humidifiers, electric fans and personal care products.
Bruce Satchwell, CEO of Australia's Alive Technologies, was at the fair looking for wireless healthcare products that can be connected to smartphones. "We believe these products have good potential in the Chinese mainland market. With these products, even if a patient lives in a remote area, specialist physicians will still be able to monitor his recovery."
Fair Websites
Electronics Fair (Autumn Edition): www.hkelectronicsfairae.com
electronicAsia: www.electronicasia.com
Contact:HKTDC
Corporate Communication Department
Joe Kainz
Tel: +852 2584 4216
Email: joe.kainz@hktdc.org
Source: HKTDC
Sectors: Trade Shows
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