The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) today concluded seven flagship lifestyle and licensing events, attracting over 95,000 buyers from 134 countries and regions. The fairs, held concurrently, included the Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair, Home InStyle, Fashion InStyle, Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair, DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong, Hong Kong International Licensing Show (HKILS), and Asian Licensing Conference (ALC). These events underscore Hong Kong's international trade strength and its role in connecting global businesses.
Jenny Koo, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director, stated that the events align with the national 15th Five-Year Plan, positioning Hong Kong as a regional intellectual property trading hub. The fairs showcased Hong Kong's distinctive strengths in lifestyle, cultural and creative design, brand development, and intellectual property, offering global buyers diverse sourcing options and connecting exhibitors with international partners.
A survey of 1,541 exhibitors and buyers revealed that nearly half (49%) expect sales growth in the next one to two years, while 44.6% foresee stable sales. Key challenges include global economic fluctuations (47.8%), geopolitical tensions (37.2%), and protectionist measures (33.7%). Respondents identified promising sales prospects in ASEAN countries (69%), Taiwan (67.9%), India (66.7%), Korea (65.2%), and Chinese Mainland (63%). Exhibitors are actively exploring markets in Europe (34%), ASEAN (18.3%), North America (16%), Middle East (13.6%), and Australia (12.8%).
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 (27.3%), interior decoration (27.1%), and smart home technology (23%) are poised for growth. In fashion, designer clothing (42.4%), urban clothing (34.5%), and womenswear (31.9%) show the strongest potential.
The events facilitated cross-sector opportunities. Semk Holdings International Limited, exhibitor of B.Duck IP, connected with buyers from Mexico, Canada, Europe, and Southeast Asia. UAE debutant Alpha Art anticipated orders of around US$1 million. The Gifts & Premium Fair also saw three MOUs signed: the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Shanxi Provincial Committee and Fujian Sub-Council, and the Busan Economic Promotion Agency, all aiming to leverage Hong Kong's platform for global expansion.
Fashion InStyle featured the returning NEXT zone with over 60 new material exhibitors. Textile Library from Hangzhou, having connected with a Thai exhibitor last year, showcased new materials and collaborated with Hong Kong designer brand Ponder.er. New exhibitor New High Limited connected with 50 potential buyers, including from Dubai and North Africa, expecting orders of about US$100,000. Korean fashion group Kolon Industries FnC sourced sustainable materials, while Brazilian brand Amaro placed an initial order of approximately US$100,000 for innovative materials like salmon skin leather and pineapple fibre fabrics.
Home InStyle introduced innovative materials for homeware. Lotux International Holdings presented biodegradable lotus stem products and deodorising cat litter, attracting interest from a houseware company and the Hong Kong Furniture and Decoration Trade Association. allcareAI Limited debuted an infection-prevention mobile toilet, receiving over 20 enquiries from local care homes and potential partners from Chinese Mainland, Japan, Australia, Europe, and Southeast Asia.
The Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair and DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong attracted global buyers. Middle Eastern buyer Hot Packaging LLC sourced eco-friendly packaging solutions, expecting trial orders of US$35,000 to US$75,000. W.H.Y. Brand Consultancy Limited, first-time exhibitor at DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong, connected with printers and design firms, expecting around US$400,000 in business.
At HKILS, Hong Kong exhibitor Postgal Workshop reached a licensing agreement with Malaysia's M&M Creations Holdings worth over US$200,000. The Asian Licensing Conference featured industry leaders discussing trends, with Maura Regan, President and CEO of Licensing International, stating the licensing industry continues to grow as consumers demand immersive experiences.
