SHANGHAI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Online Chinese consumers are the definitive regional leaders in anticipated online tech purchases and early tech adoption – far outpacing consumers in other developing Asia-Pacific (APAC) countries – according to new research from the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)™. CTA presented results from its Asia-Pacific Consumer Tech Ownership and Opportunity Study yesterday at the second annual CES Asia™. Owned and produced by CTA, and co-produced by Intex Shanghai, CES Asia runs May 11-13 in Shanghai, China.
“Given the country’s robust online marketplace and enthusiasm for technology, it’s no surprise China is far-and-away the APAC region leader when it comes to early tech adoption and online tech purchases,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, Consumer Technology Association. “This leadership and enthusiasm will be on display this week as major Chinese retailers including Alibaba, JD.com, Suning and Yihaodian participate in CES Asia – the only event in the world that has brought these top retailers together. These companies are embracing online, as well as in-store, shopping habits of the Chinese tech consumer.”
Online and In-Store Purchases
When considering their next tech purchase, Chinese consumers are much more likely to shop online (62 percent) rather than purchase in-store (38 percent). This is in contrast to Indonesia (38 percent planned online purchases), Malaysia (33 percent), Vietnam (29 percent) and Philippines (24 percent), where online shopping for tech is not as strong.
In-store purchases are the most popular form of shopping for the other APAC countries, led by the Philippines where 74 percent plan to go in-store for their next tech purchase. That country is closely followed by Vietnam (71 percent), Malaysia (66 percent) and Indonesia (60 percent). According to the study, in-store purchases are driven by a desire to try out products, and online purchases are primarily driven by both price and convenience.
APAC Tech Adoption Trends
Among online consumers in the APAC region, China has the highest percentage of self-reported early tech adopters, with 59 percent indicating they buy tech as soon, or shortly after, it is available. Behind China are Malaysia and Indonesia (49 percent), Vietnam (40 percent) and the Philippines (32 percent).
Among online consumers in China, smartphones are the most-owned tech, followed by desktop computers, laptop computers, digital cameras and headphones. Smartphones are also the most popular tech device in Malaysia, Vietnam and Indonesia. In the Philippines, on- or over-the-ear headphones ranked as the most-owned tech device.
“Chinese technology companies and consumers play a key role in the global economy,” said Steve Koenig, senior director of market research, CTA. “Consumers across the developing APAC region are diverse in their tech consumption habits, but a clear appetite for mobility is a unifying trend.”
APAC Tech Consumer Demographics
For consumers across the APAC region, battery life and features are the most important purchase drivers – a nod to mobile devices. In contrast, brand is the most important factor for tech purchases among APAC online consumers who are 25-44, living in urban areas, and buy and own large amounts of tech. The primary reason for purchasing tech differs by country:
- China: most likely to be motivated by entertainment and enjoyment (36 percent).
- Vietnam: focused more on work, ranking features that assist in work life as most. important and features that address productivity as second.
- Malaysia: reports making life easier (roughly one in four) as most important.
- Philippines: values staying in touch with family and friends (nearly one in four).
- Indonesia: top reasons are across the board including productivity, work life and connectivity with friends and family.
CTA research also looks at household ownership trends in America with the 18th Annual Consumer Technology Ownership and Market Potential Study.
The Asia-Pacific Consumer Tech Ownership and Opportunity Study was designed and formulated by CTA Market Research, the most comprehensive source of sales data, forecasts, consumer research and historical trends for the consumer technology industry. The study seeks to better understand technology adoption trends in key APAC markets. The complete study is available for free for CTA members at members.CTA.tech. Non-members may purchase the study at the CTA Store.
About Consumer Technology Association:
Consumer Technology Association (CTA)TM is the trade association representing the $287 billion U.S. consumer technology industry. More than 2,200 companies – 80 percent are small businesses and startups; others are among the world’s best known brands – enjoy the benefits of CTA membership including policy advocacy, market research, technical education, industry promotion, standards development and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. The Consumer Technology Association also owns and produces CES® – the world’s gathering place for all who thrive on the business of consumer technologies. Profits from CES are reinvested into CTA’s industry services.
UPCOMING EVENTS
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CES Asia 2016 – Register
May 11-13, Shanghai, China
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CEO Summit
June 21-24, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Innovate!
September 20-22, San Jose, CA
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CES Unveiled Prague
October 20, Prague, Czech Republic
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CES Unveiled Paris
October 25, Paris, France
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CT Hall of Fame Dinner
November 9, New York, NY -
CES Unveiled New York
November 10, New York, NY
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CES Unveiled Las Vegas
January 3, Las Vegas, NV
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CES 2017
January 5-8, Las Vegas, NV
