More electronic items, new design concepts

Suppliers of stuffed and plush toys in mainland China are now offering more models incorporating electronic and interactive features. As of yet, functions such as talking, moving, singing and music playing are mostly basic due to the unavailability of high-tech ICs domestically.

Global Sources estimates that electronic stuffed plush toys represent 20 percent of China's overall toy exports. This is expected to increase marginally in the coming months -- furthered by the fierce competition in the low-end and midrange markets that push suppliers to offer electronic versions instead.

This development is brought about by the rising popularity of radio-controlled toys, video games and other electronic toys that have taken up to an extent some of the market share of China's stuffed toy industry, although stuffed toy exports have not decreased significantly over the past years.

There are approximately 6,000 registered stuffed toy factories in mainland China with combined exports of about $1.47 billion in 2003. Seventy-five percent of exports are shipped to developed countries such as France, Germany, Japan, the U.K. and the United States.

Some makers are also releasing new designs and concepts to stay ahead. Gaining popularity are the DIY un-stuffed toys, bendable toys, and super soft models.

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About The Author:

Stacey Holz is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-toys.com. Find fun kids educational toys and children’s wooden toys you enjoyed as a child.