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China is the world's largest producer of children's footwear making an estimated 1 billion pairs annually, which accounts for approximately 10 percent of the country's total footwear output. Exports make up about 60 percent of total production.

In the first five months of 2008, revenue from adult and children's footwear exports grew more than 10 percent year-on-year to exceed $10 billion. Export volume, however, was down 3.6 percent to 3 billion pairs during the same period.

The decrease is attributed to a number of factors including the appreciation of the yuan, rising production costs, China's changing polices and anti-dumping duties. Not only have most suppliers had to raise export prices, hundreds of manufacturing facilities have been forced to close down in recent months.

The industry is now in a phase of consolidation and restructuring with suppliers employing various strategies to sustain their long-term competitiveness, and even survive.

This report will guide you through this changing industry by answering questions such as:

- How are suppliers dealing with the various challenges?

- Will export prices continue to rise?

- What are the latest products, at the best prices?

- Where are the key production centers?

- And much more...

What you'll get

- In-depth profiles of 18 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

- Profile tables of 20 additional suppliers, with key information such as production capacities, export capabilities, primary export markets and main machinery

- 110 full-color images that depict popular children's footwear, 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 types of children's footwear: Slippers and sandals; dress, school and casual shoes; sneakers and sport shoes; and boots

Executive Summary:

China is the world's largest supplier of footwear, including those for children. In 2007, the country produced more than 10 billion pairs, accounting for about 60 percent of the global supply. Of this output, 10 percent is estimated be for users 2 to 16 years old.

Exports of the industry are strong, taking up approximately 60 percent of total production. Shipments have been declining, however, as various factors erode the price advantage that suppliers have long enjoyed. Between January and May 2008, China exported more than 3 billion pairs of shoes. 3.6 percent less than shipments during the same period last year.

Rising costs, the yuan's appreciation and changes in China's policies have launched a multipronged attack on margins that continues to push quotes upward. Suppliers are generally unable to maintain prices at 2007 levels, since margins have become so thin that they could incur losses if additional expenses are not recouped.

This situation is a major disadvantage for the children's footwear industry, since economic and trade conditions in its main markets have made many buyers reluctant to accept higher prices. In the US, for instance, the strong yuan has made footwear from China more expensive relative to those from Vietnam and other low-cost hubs. Consumers are also more price-sensitive due to the economic slowdown.

In the EU, the anti-dumping tax being levied on China-made footwear with leather uppers has led distributors to raise their quotes to cover this expense. Consequently, the price advantage is also lost.

In the face of this unfavorable environment, hundreds of suppliers closed down during the first half of 2008. The remaining companies are engaging in value-added manufacturing to enhance long-term competitiveness.

The following are some of the key trends we see in the children's footwear industry of China.

- Export sales are expected to remain on an upswing, despite a decline in shipment volume, as suppliers improve their sales mix with the release of high-value designs. Footwear statistics in the first five months of 2008 already reflect this trend, with revenue having risen 11.5 percent to exceed $10 billion

- Upcoming models will be more breathable and ergonomic. Many will also feature licensed characters, antibacterial capability and other devices that will enhance their safety and entertainment value

- The EU will be the main target of value-added releases. More suppliers will also enter or focus on the domestic market as conditions overseas continue to be unfavorable

Key Topics Covered:

INDUSTRY OVERVIEW

Supplier summary

Major customers

Export statistics

Main production centers

Suppliers by location

Products & prices

Production & exports

Price guides

Top exporters

Supplier survey

Export prices, export sales, major challenges, target markets, capacity expansion plans, product trends, capability

SUPPLIER PROFILES

Supplier locations

Industry composition

Top 20 exporters

Supplier matrix

Production checklist

Supplier profiles

PRODUCT GALLERY

Top-selling export products

SUPPLIER CONTACT DETAILS

Companies Mentioned:

SUPPLIER PROFILES

In-depth profiles

- A&J Import & Export Co. Ltd

- Chaozhou Jinshan Shoes Industrial Co. Ltd

- Deland Guangzhou International Trade Co. Ltd

- Dongguan Rainwear House Rainwear Garment Mfg Co. Ltd

- Fujian New Leader Co. Ltd

- Fujian Putian Huamin I/E Co. (Putian Power Rich I/E Co. Ltd)

- Fujian Singyee Import & Export Co. Ltd.

- Fuzhou Xiangsheng Footwear Co. Ltd

- Fuzhou Yunxiang Import & Export Co. Ltd

- Guo Shi (Fujian) Footwear Co. Ltd

- Human (Xiamen) Import & Export Corp.

- Is-Youth Trading Co. Ltd

- Jinjiang Jiaxing Shoes & Garments Co. Ltd

- Leader Shoes Co. Ltd

- Olicom (Quanzhou) Imp & Exp Co. Ltd

- Opinion Enterprises Co. Ltd

- Shantou Chengguo Shoes Co. Ltd

- Xiamen Biyate Imp. & Exp. Co. Ltd

Short profiles

- Baoying County Hongtai Footwear Co. Ltd

- Best Way Trading Co. Ltd

- Changzhou Changjia Arts & Crafts Products Co. Ltd

- Changzhou Lucky Shoes Industry Co. Ltd

- Changzhou Wintide Imp. & Exp. Co. Ltd

- Changzhou Zhuoyuan Rubber Ware Co. Ltd

- Elite Loy Group

- Guangzhou Aibershi Shoes Co. Ltd

- Guangzhou Baby Shoes Co. Ltd

- Jiangsu Taizhou Yongheng Shoes Co. Ltd

- Jiangyin Olaya Footwear Co. Ltd

- Jinjiang Xinxing Shoes Co. Ltd

- Lianyungang Hengxing Shoes Co. Ltd

- Nanjing Dongfang Shoes Co. Ltd

- Nantong Hengtong Crafts Co. Ltd

- Qidong Rubber Shoes Fty

- Qingdao Talida Footwear Co. Ltd

- Wenzhou Ouhai Dadong Shoes Co. Ltd

- Xiamen Kunhui Trading Co. Ltd

- Zhenjiang Catier Artware Co. Ltd

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/df68f5/china_sourcing_rep

Source: Global Sources

Contact:

Research and Markets
Laura Wood
Senior Manager
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