China Sourcing Report: Children's Footwear

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

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.

for more information, please visit www.cantonfootwear.org