Mar 14, 2019 20:00 JST
Source: HKTDC
|
|
HKTDC Export Index 1Q19: China-US trade talks prompt improved exporter sentiment
HKTDC advises tapping Russian Far East & ASEAN opportunities
HONG KONG, Mar 14, 2019 - (ACN Newswire) - The HKTDC Export Index 1Q19, for the first quarter of 2019, rebounded four points from the previous quarter to 39.2, indicating that confidence among exporters is growing across all sectors and markets.
| HKTDC Director of Research Nicholas Kwan (2nd from L) calls on Hong Kong companies to diversify their business in the face of uncertainties in 2019. Joining Mr Kwan at the press conference today (14 March) are HKTDC Assistant Principal Economist (Global Research) Louis Chan (2nd from R) and HKTDC Economists Doris Fung (L) and Jacqueline Yuen (R) |
"Progress in the trade talks between Mainland China and the United States has led to an improved sentiment. However, it is still expected the dispute will not be resolved imminently, so we are calling on local exporters to expand their business into new markets such as the Russian Far East and ASEAN countries," HKTDC Director of Research Nicholas Kwan said at a press conference today.
The HKTDC Export Index gauges near-term export prospects. Readings above and below 50 indicate positive and negative sentiment respectively. Mr Kwan noted that the indices remained below the watershed mark of 50, but expansion has been satisfactory, especially in the toys sector and European Union market, which rose 17.1 and 5.6 points respectively.
"Our forecast for export growth in 2019 remains unchanged - an increase of 5% in value and 3% in volume," Mr Kwan said, adding that machinery is the most promising export sector, with a score of 42.2 points, followed by toys (41.4) and electronics (39.7). In terms of specific export markets, Japan (48) and the EU (47.4) enjoyed the most positive short-term market outlook, followed by the United States (46.1) and Mainland China (45.7).
Smaller orders from US buyers
HKTDC Economist Doris Fung said Hong Kong exporters were slightly more optimistic than before on the outcome of the Sino-US Trade dispute. Fewer respondents - 51.7%, compared with 54.4% in the last quarter - were concerned that it might adversely affect their export performance over the near term.
But despite the increase in optimism, almost half of the respondents (48.5%) reported they had already experienced a negative impact related to the trade dispute, particularly in relation to reduced order sizes (69%). Other impacts include price bargaining (34.9%), cancelled orders (22.7%) and sharing or bearing part of the tariff costs (16.2%).
Responding to the trade friction, over half of the respondents (54.1%) said they had considered developing markets outside the US. Other plans included moving the production or sourcing base (27.4%) and downsizing the company (19.9%).
Russian Far East: an alternative manufacturing base
HKTDC Assistant Principal Economist (Global Research) Louis Chan said that with its rich natural resources, abundant land, upgraded infrastructure, unfettered access to the markets of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and the availability of generous tax incentives, the Russian Far East District - also known as the Far Eastern Federal District (FEFD) - is an attractive destination for manufacturing investment.
"The FEFD is an especially suitable market for Hong Kong traders who are operating in the food processing, paper and pulp, rubber and plastics, electrical equipment, medicine and jewellery industries," Mr Chan said.
Over the past five years, the FEFD has set up a ministry and four government agencies to accelerate infrastructure improvement and increase industrial capability in the region. One of the most important initiatives is the establishment of the Far East Development Corporation (FEDC) which oversees 18 Advanced Special Economic Zones (ASEZs) and 22 Free Ports of Vladivostok (FPVs) municipals.
"Amid the lingering Sino-US trade tension, the FEFD not only offers emerging manufacturing investment opportunities with unfettered access to EAEU markets, but also alternative sources of agricultural products currently affected by US tariffs." Mr Chan said. "For example, some Mainland China and Russian investors have already started soybean processing in the FEFD's Amur Region and Jewish Autonomous Region to supply the mainland market."
Aquaculture and tourism potential
Mr Chan added that Hong Kong business can also consider importing a range of products from the FEFD. "The district has access to the waters of North Pacific, which are a paradise for cold water seafood such as crabs and scallops. A range of cosmetics and health supplements has also been developed including face masks derived from sea cucumbers and medicinal products made using the chaga mushroom."
The FEFD is also planning to develop an entertainment zone, incorporating resorts and casinos, to boost tourism. "There are plenty of opportunities for Hong Kong companies to participate in the development of the tourism industry in the FEFD. In addition to investment and project management, they can also provide marketing support for the FEFD to promote its tourism to potential Asian visitors," Mr Chan explained.
Growing ASEAN e-commerce opportunities
With their young and tech-savvy populations, countries such as Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia are seeing rapid growth in business-to-consumer (B2C) e-commerce. "The ASEAN middle-class is increasingly familiar with shopping online or through multi-channel platforms for travel and leisure, fashion and entertainment, as well as consumer electronics, health, beauty and wellness products and services, and their purchase decisions are heavily affected by online reviews," said HKTDC Economist Jacqueline Yuen.
Ms Yuen said the market is fragmented and there is keen competition among e-commerce platforms, adding that social media is growing in popularity and is an ideal selling platform for small suppliers and new brands. She advised Hong Kong traders to consider penetrating these markets through the omni-channels provided by department stores or speciality shops, or the B2C platforms and social media shops.
She also mentioned the rise of "mompreneurs", women who share experiences with other new mothers at the same time as promoting baby and maternity items. "Breastfeeding is becoming more widespread in ASEAN countries and consumers are looking for natural, organic and chemical-free products, offering new opportunities for Hong Kong traders," Mr Yuen said.
For the fashion and accessories sector, she advised local companies to target young consumers who are less brand-conscious, adding that e-tailers will source at trade shows for innovative, stylish and unique items. "Hong Kong exporters can connect with ASEAN e-tailers by exhibiting at local trade fairs that also offer a customised business-matching service," she said.
Reference: - HKTDC Research website http://research.hktdc.com/ - HKTDC Export Index 1Q19: China-US Trade Talks Prompt Improved Exporter Sentiment https://bit.ly/2HecaTX - E-Commerce Opportunities in ASEAN - Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand: https://bit.ly/2NSNPnj https://bit.ly/2TwgxQP - Business Opportunities in Russia Far East https://bit.ly/2HlEpPY https://bit.ly/2EWuU6Q - Photo download: https://bit.ly/2Hy92BW
Contact:Beatrice Lam, Tel: +852 2584 4049, Email: beatrice.hy.lam@hktdc.org
Source: HKTDC Sectors: Daily Finance, Banking & Insurance, Local Biz
Copyright ©2024 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. A division of Asia Corporate News Network.
|
Latest Release
First-ever Mazda CX-80 Crossover SUV Unveiled in Europe Apr 19, 2024 13:50 JST
| Fujitsu develops technology to convert corporate digital identity credentials, enabling participation of non-European companies in European data spaces Apr 19, 2024 10:17 JST
| Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and NGK to Jointly Develop Hydrogen Purification System from Ammonia Cracking Gas Apr 18, 2024 17:01 JST
| Toyota Launches All-New Land Cruiser "250" Series in Japan Apr 18, 2024 13:39 JST
| Fujitsu and Oracle collaborate to deliver sovereign cloud and AI capabilities in Japan Apr 18, 2024 11:14 JST
| Eisai: Research on Treatments for Alzheimer's Disease Based on Its Pathological Mechanisms Recieves Award for Science and Technology (Research Category) Apr 18, 2024 10:53 JST
| All-New Triton Confirmed as First Double-Cab Pickup Truck to Achieve 2024 Five-Star ANCAP Safety Rating Apr 18, 2024 09:22 JST
| Eisai's Antiepileptic Drug Fycompa Injection Formulation Launched In Japan Apr 17, 2024 16:17 JST
| Honda Unveils Next-generation EV Series for China Apr 17, 2024 12:15 JST
| Lexus presents Time at the 2024 Milan Design Week Apr 16, 2024 18:49 JST
| Mitsubishi Corporation Announces Participation in a DAC Project in Louisiana, USA Apr 16, 2024 14:36 JST
| New circuit challenge for TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Apr 15, 2024 17:21 JST
| TOYOTA GAZOO Racing back on asphalt for Croatian challenge Apr 12, 2024 19:36 JST
| Heidelberg Materials North America Announces Latest Milestone in Edmonton CCUS Project Apr 12, 2024 14:39 JST
| MHIAEL Completes Expansion of the its Nagasaki Plant for Manufacture of Aero Engine Combustors Apr 11, 2024 18:08 JST
| Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Acquires Approval in Principle (AiP) from Classification Society ClassNK for Ammonia Fuel Supply System (AFSS) Apr 11, 2024 17:50 JST
| DOCOMO, NTT, NEC and Fujitsu Develop Top-level Sub-terahertz 6G Device Capable of Ultra-high-speed 100 Gbps Transmission Apr 11, 2024 15:10 JST
| Mitsubishi Corporation Announces Completion of Capital Raise by Nexamp Apr 11, 2024 13:07 JST
| Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Receives Order for Ammonia Fuel Supply System for Ammonia-Powered Marine Engine Apr 10, 2024 16:55 JST
| Transgene and NEC Present First Clinical Benefits of Neoantigen Cancer Vaccine, TG4050, in Head & Neck Cancer at AACR 2024 Apr 10, 2024 13:36 JST
|
More Latest Release >>
|