The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) today concluded its seven flagship lifestyle and licensing events, drawing over 95,000 buyers from 134 countries and regions for sourcing and business negotiations, reinforcing Hong Kong's status as an international trade hub.
The events included the Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair, which attracted over 32,000 buyers; Home InStyle with some 20,000 buyers; Fashion InStyle gathering around 12,000 buyers; and the Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair and DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong, which saw over 9,600 buyers. The Hong Kong International Licensing Show attracted over 21,000 buyers, and the Asian Licensing Conference featured over 20 international industry leaders as speakers.
Non-local buyers came primarily from Chinese Mainland, Taiwan, and Japan, with significant growth from the Philippines, Canada, and Türkiye, underscoring the fairs' international appeal.
Jenny Koo, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director, said: "In alignment with the national 15th Five-Year Plan, Hong Kong will continue to actively develop its role as a regional intellectual property trading hub, further enhancing its international competitiveness in the cultural and creative industries and IP transactions. The seven flagship events fully showcased Hong Kong's distinctive strengths in lifestyle, cultural and creative design, brand development, and intellectual property."
Nearly half (49.0%) of respondents to an HKTDC survey of 1,541 exhibitors and buyers expected overall sales to rise in the next one to two years, while 44.6% foresaw stable sales. The greatest operational challenges identified were global economic fluctuations (47.8%), geopolitical tensions and supply chain chaos (37.2%), and growing protectionist measures (33.7%). Respondents believed sales prospects are promising in ASEAN countries (69.0%), Taiwan (67.9%), India (66.7%), Korea (65.2%), and Chinese Mainland (63.0%). Exhibitors are actively exploring Europe (34.0%), ASEAN countries (18.3%), North America (16.0%), the Middle East (13.6%), and Australia (12.8%).
Product trends highlighted growth potential in cultural gifts (19.7%), sustainable gifts (18.6%), and tech gifts (18.6%) in the gifts market; designer furniture (27.3%), interior decoration (27.1%), and smart home technology (23.0%) in home products; and designer clothing (42.4%), urban clothing (34.5%), and womenswear (31.9%) in fashion.
The Gifts & Premium Fair sealed three memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Shanxi Provincial Committee and Fujian Sub-Council, and the Busan Economic Promotion Agency, to encourage enterprises to leverage Hong Kong's platform to go global.
Fashion InStyle featured the returning NEXT zone, with over 60 new material exhibitors. Textile Library from Hangzhou applied its patented epoch-poly fabrics in collaboration with Hong Kong designer brand Ponder.er. Exhibitors like New High Limited connected with around 50 potential buyers, including from Dubai and North Africa, expecting orders of about US$100,000. Kolon Industries FnC from Korea and Brazilian brand Amaro also identified new suppliers.
Home InStyle introduced innovative materials, including biodegradable cutlery from lotus stems by Lotux International Holdings. The Hong Kong Furniture and Decoration Trade Association expressed interest in using sustainable materials in furniture production.
The fairs also highlighted gerontechnology and cultural creative industries. AllcareAI Limited debuted an infection-prevention mobile toilet, receiving over 20 enquiries. TFE Holdings Limited showcased a concrete coffee machine, expecting around 15 orders worth about US$1 million.
Packaging design created new opportunities. W.H.Y. Brand Consultancy participated in DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong for the first time, connecting with printers and design firms, and expects to generate around US$400,000 in business.
Buyers affirmed the fairs as efficient sourcing platforms. Henry Huang of Umbra Ltd, a Canadian buyer, identified around 20 potential suppliers and expects orders up to US$100,000. Jaime Gonzalez of Mexico's Promo Life plans to spend US$200,000 on keychains and magnets from a Hong Kong exhibitor.
At the licensing show, Postgal Workshop reached an agreement with Malaysia's M&M Creations Holdings for its IP "Din Dong", valued at over US$200,000. Maura Regan of Licensing International said: "The licensing industry is not slowing down. Consumers continue to demand immersive experiences."
