DUBLIN, Ireland – (Business Wire) Research and Markets has announced the addition of "China Sourcing Report: Children's Footwear" report to their offering.

Porcelain is the world's largest producer of children's footwear making an estimated 1 billion pairs annually, which represents about 10 percent of total production of footwear in the country. Exports represent about 60 percent of total production.

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

The decline is attributed to a number of factors including of yuan appreciation, rising production costs, exchange policies of China and antidumping duties. Not only have most suppliers had to increase export prices, hundreds of manufacturing facilities have been forced to close in recent months.

The industry is now in a phase of consolidation and restructuring with suppliers employing various strategies to maintain long-term competitiveness and even survival.

This report will guide you through this evolving industry, responding to questions such as:

– How are suppliers dealing with the different challenges?

– Export prices keep rising?

– What are the latest products, the best prices?

– Where are the key production centers?

– And much more …

What you'll get

– In depth profiles of 18 major suppliers with an overview of their product and pricing strategy, production and export capacity, verified contact details, and more – this information is not available anywhere else

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

– 110 images showing full color children's footwear, popular, product descriptions, prices, minimum order requirements and delivery times

– Results of custom-designed survey of suppliers, which forecasts industry trends for the next 12 months

– Verified supplier Contact details, including names, email addresses, phone numbers and websites of the manufacturers of profiles

– This report covers the following types of children's footwear: Slippers and sandals, clothing, school and casual shoes, slippers and sports shoes and boots

Executive Summary:

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

The industry's exports is strong, taking about 60 percent of total production. The shipments have been reduced, 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 the policies of China have launched multiple attacks on the margins that continues to push quotes upward. Suppliers are generally unable to maintain prices at 2007 levels, since margins have become so thin who could incur losses if additional expenditures are not recovered.

This situation is a major disadvantage for the footwear industry children, as the economic and business conditions in its main markets have made many buyers reluctant to accept higher prices. In the U.S., for example, the strong yuan has made footwear from China more expensive relative to those of Vietnam and other low-cost centers. Consumers are also more price sensitive because to the economic slowdown.

In the EU, the anti-dumping taxes on Chinese-made footwear with leather uppers has led to 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 during the first half of 2008. The remaining companies are engaging in value-added manufacturing to enhance long-term competitiveness.

For more information, please visit www.cantonfootwear.org

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Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – China Sourcing Report: Children’s Footwear

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