Middle East next hot export market for China manufacturers - Global Sources survey

The Middle East Export Opportunities survey was conducted in May among Global Sources' China Sourcing Fair exhibitors from mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. All respondents have substantial export experience, with the Middle East an important - and growing - target market.

Of respondents:

58 percent currently export to the Middle East
13 percent have exported to the Middle East for 20 years or more
78 percent have up to 19 years' experience exporting to the region

Of those suppliers not yet exporting to the Middle East, more than 20 percent are preparing to do so:

14 percent plan to start to export to the Middle East within 12 months
7 percent plan to begin exporting to the region within 24 months
Strong Market Potential in Middle East for Quality China Products

Survey findings suggest strong manufacturer support for China government targets to double Middle East trade - set to reach US$100 billion in 2010, up from US$51.3 billion in 2005.

'The results of our China Supplier Survey clearly show the Middle East is an increasingly important market for the success of China's exporters,' said Global Sources, Chairman and CEO, Merle A. Hinrichs. 'Likewise, buyers in the Middle East need to meet growing consumer demand for quality products - and are turning more and more to quality China suppliers to meet this demand.

'Most of these manufacturers have been exporting to quality-conscious markets around the world for years. For example, 83 percent currently export to North America, 89 percent to Western Europe, and 44 percent to Japan. These are the markets that have the toughest quality requirements and regulations. The success of these China suppliers' products in these demanding, diverse markets is a testament to their commitment to quality - and suitability for the Middle East market.'

Global Sources to present full survey results

Results of the China Supplier Survey: Middle East Export Opportunities are to be presented at the opening day press conference scheduled for 10:30 a.m. June 11, 2007 at the China Sourcing Fair: Gifts & Home Products. The Fair runs through June 13 at the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre.

The Fair is scheduled to feature over 500 booths from Greater China, making it the largest exhibition of China suppliers ever to come to Dubai. Many surveyed suppliers are set to exhibit at the sold-out event. Major exhibited product categories include:

Gifts & home products: Candles & holders, key chains, pen & pencil holders & sets, digital clocks & calculators, decorative wall hangings, bedroom & closet storage, handicrafts, gift tins, cookware sets, bed covers & linens & blankets.

Consumer Electronics: MP3 players, portable CD/VCD/DVD players, car DVD players, speakers, GPS products, combination TVs, LCD TVs, in-car TVs, AC/DC adapters, laptop bags

Fashion accessories: Costume jewelry & earrings, fashion bracelets, men's & women's sports shoes, bra & panty sets, robes & sleepwear, perfumes & oils, tote & beach bags.

Baby & children's Products: Inflatable toys, radio-controlled toys, play tents & houses, doll houses & furniture, balloons, inflatable play structures, kid's table & chair sets, models

Exclusive Conference on how to source from China at the China Sourcing Fair Dubai

The three-day event features an exclusive, multi-session conference program focused on 'How to Source from China'. The conference sessions, presented by leaders in trade with China, covers topics such as working with China suppliers, quality control, payment processing, and shipping & logistics.

'This is the first time ever that a specialized conference program on how to source from China has been presented in Dubai,' said Bill Janeri, Global Sources' General Manager for the Middle East.