The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) has successfully concluded seven flagship lifestyle and licensing events, drawing over 95,000 buyers from 134 countries and regions for sourcing and business negotiations. The fairs, including the Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair, Home InStyle, Fashion InStyle, Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair, DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong, and the Hong Kong International Licensing Show, underscore Hong Kong's international trade strength and its ability to connect global markets.
According to a survey conducted during the Gifts & Premium Fair, Home InStyle, and Fashion InStyle, nearly half (49.0%) of the 1,541 exhibitors and buyers expect overall sales to rise in the next one to two years, while 44.6% foresee stable sales. The greatest operational challenges identified include global economic fluctuations (47.8%), geopolitical tensions and supply chain issues (37.2%), and protectionist measures (33.7%). Respondents see promising sales prospects in ASEAN countries (69.0%), Taiwan (67.9%), India (66.7%), Korea (65.2%), and Chinese Mainland (63.0%). Exhibitors are actively exploring markets in Europe (34.0%), ASEAN countries (18.3%), and North America (16.0%).
Product trends indicate strong growth potential for cultural gifts (19.7%), sustainable gifts (18.6%), and tech gifts (18.6%) in the gifts and premiums market. In furniture and home products, designer furniture and houseware (27.3%), interior decoration and handicrafts (27.1%), and smart home technology (23.0%) are expected to grow. In fashion, designer and branded clothing (42.4%), urban clothing (34.5%), and womenswear (31.9%) lead the trends.
The events facilitated cross-sector opportunities and synergies. Semk Holdings International Limited, a character IP licensing company, showcased B.Duck co-branded products at the Gifts & Premium Fair and connected with buyers from Mexico, Canada, Europe, and Southeast Asia. The UAE made its debut at the fair; Mohammed Alayat, Founder of Dubai exhibitor Alpha Art, reported connecting with around 40 new clients from Asia, Europe, the United States, and Africa, anticipating orders totaling about US$1 million.
Three memoranda of understanding were signed at the Gifts & Premium Fair: the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Shanxi Provincial Committee and Fujian Sub-Council signed MOUs with the HKTDC to encourage enterprises to go global, and the Busan Economic Promotion Agency signed an MOU to promote Korean gift products through Hong Kong's platform. These agreements deepen Hong Kong's trade ties with Chinese Mainland and overseas markets.
Innovative materials at Fashion InStyle opened new opportunities. The returning NEXT@Fashion InStyle zone featured over 60 new material exhibitors. Textile Library from Hangzhou, which connected with a Thai exhibitor at last year's event, collaborated with Hong Kong designer brand Ponder.er, applying epoch-poly fabrics. Founder Mary Ma reported strong interest and concrete cooperation intentions. First-time exhibitor New High Limited connected with about 50 potential buyers, including from Dubai and North Africa, with expected orders totaling about US$100,000.
Home InStyle introduced innovative materials for homeware and home textiles, such as Lotux International Holdings' biodegradable lotus stem products and deodorizing cat litter. The company is in discussions for joint development of eco-friendly straws and sustainable materials for furniture. Gerontechnology was also highlighted; allcareAI Limited debuted an infection-prevention mobile toilet and received over 20 enquiries from care homes and potential partners globally.
The Hong Kong International Licensing Show connected exhibitors like Postgal Workshop with Malaysia's M&M Creations Holdings for the IP "Din Dong," with collaboration estimated at over US$200,000. The Asian Licensing Conference featured industry leaders discussing trends. Maura Regan, President and CEO of Licensing International, noted significant growth across property types and consumer demand for immersive experiences.
Buyers affirmed the fairs as efficient sourcing platforms. Henry Huang, Vice President of Global Product Development at Canada's Umbra Ltd, identified around 20 potential suppliers and joined six business matching meetings, expecting orders up to US$100,000. Jaime Gonzalez, Commercial Director of Mexico's Promo Life, plans to spend US$200,000 on keychains and magnets from a Hong Kong exhibitor.
