DUBLIN, Ireland, Dec 18, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/00ced1/china_sourcing_rep) has announced the addition of the "China Sourcing Report: School Stationery" report to their offering.

China's more than 1,000 school stationery suppliers account for about 30 percent of global exports in the line. The supplier base, however, could shrink in coming months as the industry deals with higher production costs and thinning margins.

Stiff competition is prompting many companies to release high-value designs, even as they are trying to cut costs and enhance operating efficiency.

New models are more functional, convenient and visually appealing, as well as safe and environment-friendly.

This report is your guide to industry and product trends in the school stationery segment. It will help you:

Understand how suppliers are dealing with key industry issues. Identify the latest products, at the best prices. Meet suppliers that meet your specific requirements. Save money and time by qualifying suppliers before your next visit to China.

What you'll get:

In-depth profiles of 15 major suppliers with a comprehensive look at their product and pricing strategy, manufacturing and export capability, verified contact details, and more -- this information is not available anywhere else. 49 full-color images that depict popular school stationery, complete with product descriptions, prices, minimum order requirements and delivery times. Results of the custom-designed supplier survey, which forecasts industry trends for the next 12 months. Verified supplier contact details, including names, e-mails, telephone numbers and websites of profiled makers. This report covers the following school stationery products: pads, tablet paper, organizers, planners, diaries, and scrapbooks.

Amid pressures at home and overseas, China's school stationery industry is undergoing a period of restructuring and consolidation, which is expected to go on in the months ahead. Rising costs, the yuan's appreciation and changes in China's trade policies are eroding the sector's low-cost advantage, forcing many companies to rethink their strategies in order to remain competitive and profitable.

The business environment is expected to become even more difficult for many makers in 2009, with external demand expected to soften due to the economic downturn in the US and the resulting slowdown in the EU and other industrialized economies. The US and the EU are currently China's largest overseas markets for notebooks, pads, diaries, organizers, planners, scrapbooks and other types of stationery, accounting for nearly 50 percent of export sales.
Weakening overseas demand is already apparent in shipments during the first eight months of 2008. Compared with the same period in 2007, export volume declined 11 percent to 249 million kilograms. Sales amounted to $398 million, rising a mere 3 percent, a massive drop from the 37 percent growth during the previous corresponding period.

To keep export revenue buoyant in coming months, suppliers are aiming for a better sales mix of lowend, midrange and upscale designs. Releases in 2009 will include more of the last two, which also provide higher gross margins.

The following are some of the other key trends we see in China's school stationery industry:

Designs will become more visually appealing and versatile. Most companies will expand selections to include a greater number of models with complex, novelty shapes, and eye-catching patterns, colors and embellishments. These will often be fitted with writing instruments and other tools that will enhance user convenience. Safety concerns and environmental awareness will also impact product development. Many suppliers will use nontoxic substances in printing and other types of surface treatment, and outsourced accessories will be required to meet international standards. The EU is expected to remain the primary market of China-made school stationery, especially with the US' anti-dumping duty on ruled models remaining in place. To minimize risk further, several companies will also expand into emerging markets. Prices will continue to increase in coming months as the cost of key manufacturing inputs is still on an upward trend. Quotes for paper, in particular, are expected to be 5 to more than 30 percent higher.
Some of the Companies mentioned:
Anhui Light Industries International Co. Ltd Beijing Light Stationery Mfg Co. Ltd Heng Feng Packaging & Paper Products Fty Lerming Ents (China) Ltd Shanghai Liudan Gift Co. Ltd Shenzhen Shidahing Printing Co. Ltd Zhejiang Jingu Packing & Printing Co. Ltd (Shanghai offi ce) Zhejiang Jintai Printing Co. Ltd

For more information visit:
http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/00ced1/china_sourcing_rep
Global Sources
Research and Markets Ltd.

Last update: 3:30 a.m. EST Dec. 18, 2008

Source: www.marketwatch.com