The old page has been peeled for the new year. Carrying all the attention and expectation, the holy torch for Olympic Games would burn in Beijing 2008. It is destined to become a year with energy and passion. By the occasion, we send our sincere regard to all readers as well as those in the toy industry. We expect a more prosperous year.
In the passing 2007, China’s toy industry has muddled through too much maze, harassment, tensity and throe. June 2nd last year, national 3C on toy business stride the stage and began to be enforced compulsively. The nerve of toy industry was then strained. It happens to be in the same month; toys “made in China” began to be recalled in US in large amount frequently. A chain of recalls have exerted far-reaching effect on China’s toy industry. China’s toys compose over 70 percent of global toys and high-profile recalls force safety and quality problem of them to the teeth of the storm, severely affect the image and reputation of China’s toys. In order to cope with the affair, Certification and Accreditation Administration (CNCA) and General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) make took measures on after another, launching new license system on exported toys and cementing supervision on toy quality. Rectification carried out vigorously and speedily had last until the end of the year. Among over 3,000 companies that related toy export and acquired quality license, around one third are required to cancel or cease their export right, or to rectify and improve operation. During the same year, national toy recalling system was announced and enforced.
Though it was a really harsh time, however, China’s industry had not show a sign of great recession. People fought back before difficulties and survive a year-end trial. For the first half of the year, total export value of toys registered 7.415 billion USD (statistics of larger scope of toy categories), increasing by 11.3 percent compared with the same period of the previous year. As to the second half, affected by recalls and new license system, toy export has once been bogged down. But after October, export rebounds in large scale. International buyers can not resist the charm of toys “made in China” after their hesitation and comparison and rush to make order for holiday season.
On the other hand, increasingly more companies had respective developed operating tact for domestic sales. Transformers, yoyos…trendy toys really took off successively. Lots of companies and department stores reviewed good sales this year, and it has been estimated that, overall growth for domestic sales might reach around 20 percent. Auldey, the bellwether in the trade proudly announced its new sales record—450 million RMB yuan.
When we looking forward to 2008, we have reason to be convinced. Firstly, according to estimation of authorities like IMF, though growth of global economy might slow down, it will not turn for the worse. A 4.8-percent-growth would be seen. Market of countries and regions, including US, EU, Japan, China and Southeast Asia, would continue to have good room. With one accord, several power economy institutes believe that international trade this year will be bullish, when a comparatively high level would be maintained.
Additionally, Christmas sales in 2007 shows that, western countries still have high recognition on China’s toys. A survey run by Ministry of Commerce also reveals that, lots of toy companies have received great number of overseas order, with no obvious decline. China’s place as the most significant production base could not be superseded for this moment.
After fierce market trial and strict rectification, toy companies have developed higher recognition on product quality and safety. “Quality” and “brand” have become a theme. The inferior one would be eliminated, boosting overall grade.
Toy 3C is now under close attention from CNCA, which would make adjustment according to actual situation. It is believed that, 3C process will exert active effect on standardizing market and propelling consumption.
Eagerly awaiting the new year with development.