FRANKFURT--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ranging from stylized blossom rings studded with diamonds and precious stones and delicate necklaces, their design inspired by the waves of the ocean, to the currently most slimline LCD watch available – Hong Kong’s manufacturers will be demonstrating their creativeness and high-quality handicrafts on their 25th anniversary at Baselworld. In 2011, a total of 262 exhibitors are present at the country pavilion organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council covering 6,500 sqm in Hall 6. 132 exhibitors (2010: 144) represent the jewellery industry and 99 (2010: 108) the watch and clock industry. The number of watch components companies (11) has remained unchanged, the number of packaging companies has risen by three to 20.
Jewellery and timepieces can be experienced at first hand at three shows featuring the new collections of six jewellery and 4 watch companies. Winning designs of the 27th Hong Kong Watch & Clock Design Competition will also be presented. The shows are part of the Hong Kong Brand Name Promotion being held for the third time this year.
Return to growth
Hong Kong remained the fourth largest
exporter of fine jewellery worldwide in 2010. Following a decline in
exports by 23 percent in 2009, demand increased by 21 percent to a total
of USD 4.43 billion in 2010. The three most important markets were the
USA, the EU and Switzerland which together made up 64 percent of the
market. Exports to the EU and USA rose by 8 and 20 percent respectively
and to Switzerland by 38 percent. In 2010, fine jewellery to a value of
USD 126 million was exported to Germany (+11 %).
The positive mood within the industry was evident at this year’s HKTDC Hong Kong International Jewellery Show where a new record was achieved with 2,800 exhibitors and 37,000 buyers.
In 2010, Hong Kong maintained its position as second largest exporter of watches and clocks worldwide. With export sales of USD 7.4 billion, the industry grew by 32 percent compared to 2009 (- 21 percent). The largest markets were the EU (+ 20 percent) and the USA (+ 44 percent) which together made up around 40 percent. Timepieces and components for a total of USD 924 million were exported to Switzerland (+ 38 percent). Goods valued at around USD 3 billion (+ 55.8 percent) were exported from Switzerland to Hong Kong. Consequently, Switzerland remained the largest import market for the metropolis. Timepieces and components for USD 359 million were supplied to Germany (+ 15.7 percent). German exports to Hong Kong rose by 28.4 percent to USD 74 million. More than half of all Hong Kong exports (55 percent) related to battery operated wristwatches.