China's toy market and Chinese toy trade information

Toys(more toys tradeleads in Wakefree.com) in the Chinese market are classified mainly into electronic toys(more toys tradeleads in Wakefree.com), mechanical toys(more toys tradeleads in Wakefree.com), plastic toys(more toys tradeleads in Wakefree.com) and wooden toys(more toys tradeleads in Wakefree.com). In addition to the traditional toys(more toys tradeleads in Wakefree.com), model toys(more toys tradeleads in Wakefree.com), licensed toys(more toys tradeleads in Wakefree.com) (film character toys(more toys tradeleads in Wakefree.com) and cartoon character toys(more toys tradeleads in Wakefree.com)), dolls, high-tech toys(more toys tradeleads in Wakefree.com), smart toys(more toys tradeleads in Wakefree.com), web-compatible toys(more toys tradeleads in Wakefree.com) and toys(more toys tradeleads in Wakefree.com) for adults’ recreation and entertainment have continued to come onto the market.

According to estimates by Euromonitor, a market research firm, total retail sales of toys(more toys tradeleads in Wakefree.com) and games in China have soared in value from US$3.89 billion in 2007 to US$8.3 billion in 2011, registering an average annual growth rate of 21%.

As urban dwellers’ income rises and quality of life improves, their demands for toys(more toys tradeleads in Wakefree.com) are beginning to change. There is a shift away from traditional, medium- to low-quality battery-operated toys(more toys tradeleads in Wakefree.com), construction sets and decorative toys(more toys tradeleads in Wakefree.com) towards innovative electronic toys(more toys tradeleads in Wakefree.com), intelligent toys(more toys tradeleads in Wakefree.com) as well as upmarket plush toys(more toys tradeleads in Wakefree.com) and decorative cloth toys(more toys tradeleads in Wakefree.com).

Electronic toys(more toys tradeleads in Wakefree.com): high-tech electronic toys(more toys tradeleads in Wakefree.com) have caught on in recent years. Interactive, electronic toys(more toys tradeleads in Wakefree.com) with relatively high technology content have emerged as mainstream items. Another growth area is smart toys(more toys tradeleads in Wakefree.com) inspiring children’s imagination and creativity and enhancing their in-hand manipulation skills. Toys(more toys tradeleads in Wakefree.com) for both learning and fun are well-received by children and parents alike.

Plush toys(more toys tradeleads in Wakefree.com): the plush toys(more toys tradeleads in Wakefree.com) market is marked by the following features: (1) Plush toys(more toys tradeleads in Wakefree.com) in novel and unique designs and especially popular TV drama characters and animation characters have been sought after in the past few years. (2) Integrating electronic toys(more toys tradeleads in Wakefree.com) with plush toys(more toys tradeleads in Wakefree.com) has become the latest trend. (3) Plush toys(more toys tradeleads in Wakefree.com) that double as household decorative items have gained favour among many households.

Smart toys(more toys tradeleads in Wakefree.com): smart toys(more toys tradeleads in Wakefree.com) like jigsaw puzzles, DIY toys(more toys tradeleads in Wakefree.com) and 3D construction sets are becoming the latest craze among parents and children. These toys(more toys tradeleads in Wakefree.com) are marked by several common characteristics: innovative in design, highly interactive and carrying high technology content.

Animation and related spin-offs: according to industry sources, the animation market is estimated to top Rmb12.7 billion in size in 2013. In China, toy-animation crossover has yet to mature as a profit-generating business model, and most enterprises in the animation and related spin-off sectors still rely on animation characters in the US and Japan in their production.

Homemade toys(more toys tradeleads in Wakefree.com) and handicrafts: making one’s own handicraft works is not only easy and inexpensive, but is also a relaxing and enjoyable pastime. It has captured a wide audience on the mainland, especially given the tremendous work pressure nowadays. Working on handicrafts during leisure time can help one wind down, and counter cross stitching, for example, has caught on as a popular home handicraft.

Toys(more toys tradeleads in Wakefree.com) for adults’ recreation and entertainment:

The market spells enormous potential, but supply is limited. The product range is narrow, and the market remains largely untapped. According to a market survey conducted by the Social Survey Institute of China (SSIC) in 2010, companies specialised in making adult toys(more toys tradeleads in Wakefree.com) were already in operation in the US a long time ago, and over 40% of these companies’ toys(more toys tradeleads in Wakefree.com) are designed for adults. In China, on the other hand, the toy industry is still much confined to meeting children’s demands, and adult toys(more toys tradeleads in Wakefree.com) can hardly be found on the market. 62% of the respondents expressed that they would consider buying toys(more toys tradeleads in Wakefree.com) if they are of good quality and meet their needs.

Different adult consumer groups have different demands for adult toys(more toys tradeleads in Wakefree.com). 34% of the young people interviewed indicated a preference for more complex, smart toys(more toys tradeleads in Wakefree.com) calling on their ability to think and explore as well as toys(more toys tradeleads in Wakefree.com) made for decorative and appreciation purposes; 29% of the middle-aged respondents said they have a penchant for recreational toys(more toys tradeleads in Wakefree.com) and toys(more toys tradeleads in Wakefree.com) incorporating light exercises. As opposed to adult males’ preferences, 27% of the adult females interviewed expressed the desire for decorative items for the home that double as handheld toys(more toys tradeleads in Wakefree.com).