Dinnerware in China
China's dinnerware exports are on the rise as demand from major markets continues to grow and makers enhance the quality of their products.
The country exported US$2.8 billion worth of porcelain, ceramic, melamine and plastic dinnerware in 2005, a yearon- year increase of 25 percent.
China's main export market of porcelain dinnerware is the EU with exports reaching US$433 million in 2005. The region accounted for 30 percent of total overseas shipments in the line.
When it comes to plastic and melamine dinnerware and tableware, the country exports mostly to the US, accounting for 36 percent of the China's total exports in the line.
Aside from the US and the EU, Asia is also a key export market, especially for melamine models.
An estimated 70 percent of dinnerware shipments from China are under OEM orders.
Some companies also export under ODM, wherein their own designs are exported under buyers' brands or labels.
The following are some of the key trends we see in China's dinnerware industry:
• Export prices, particularly of porcelain dinnerware, are expected to increase marginally in 2006 to reflect adjustments in the cost of petroleum and raw materials.
• A large number of companies will boost their production capacity in anticipation of increased export orders, especially from the EU.
• Companies will take measures to deal with rising production costs. While some will install energy-saving kilns, other manufacturers will increase capacity to achieve economies of scale.
• The ODM line is expected to grow up to 20 percent annually in the next few years, as more makers are enhancing their design capability.
China's dinnerware exports comprise mostly porcelain, ceramic and melamine products. These are also the scope of this report.
The Products & Prices section in this report details the material composition, features and price ranges of these products. The latest trends in design are discussed in the R&D/ Design section.
The Manufacturing section explains the processes involved in the manufacture of dinnerware and how these differ in small and large makers.
The Industry Overview elaborates on the industry composition, highlighting key characteristics of the different types of suppliers.
Guangdong province is the main production hub for ceramic and porcelain dinnerware, while most melamine product makers are spread across Fujian, Guangdong and Zhejiang. Most suppliers in Zhejiang are small and midsize companies catering to the low-end of the market.
