HONG KONG - (Business Wire) The figures from the Quality Control industry in Asia account for a good indicator of the health of International Trade. Based on a few selected indicators, AsiaInspection publishes this barometer on a quarterly basis. With over 9,000 Inspections performed during the 3rd Quarter of 2009 (+ 32% vs. Q3 2008), AsiaInspection emphasized some interesting trends. The Chinese government, in an effort to stimulate the economy, increased tax refunds on certain exports. The results were positive; book and stationery Inspections were up +24%, toys +32%, shoes and fashion accessories +58% and textile apparel +63% (see chart). As of January 2009, the European Union removed a barrier forcing companies to source a percentage of their textile business from within the EU. This coupled with the tax refunds led to this impressive growth in the textile and garment exports.
Growth in Factory Audits, to the tune of 53%, stresses the demand by consumers for higher quality products. Companies dealing abroad, particularly China, are increasingly concerned with protecting their brand after a string of product scandals.
The Chinese government spent over 7 million Yuan in Q3 2009 to increase food and drug oversight to improve consumer safety. Chinese suppliers have had numerous scandals putting consumers at risk. This is a clear attempt to improve consumer safety and Chinese exporters’ reputation.
Social Audits, though up 8%, have not followed Factory Audits. This indicates importers worldwide are less concerned with social responsibility.
Exporting countries, putting the world back in business
Though consumer discretionary spending was hit hard during the global economic recession, Product Inspections for electronic goods were up 21% in Q3, indicating the economy is on the mend.
Eastern Europe continues to be deeply impacted by the recession; Inspection services were down 54% in the quarter, while neighboring Western Europe saw a healthy rebound with 29% growth. The United States finally stabilized and recorded a slight increase of 1.8% from Q3 2008 to Q3 2009. Emerging markets in Asia and the Middle East continue to lead with 81% and 123% Inspection growth in the quarter.
AsiaInspection is a Quality Control company (Inspections, Lab Testing and Factory & Social Audits) in Asia, providing services to more than 3,500 clients worldwide – http://www.AsiaInspection.com
AsiaInspection
Michael Mesarch, +86-755-8231-6796
press@asiaInspection.com
