China's fitness equipment industry is expecting external demand to continue rising in the months ahead but at a lesser rate. Most suppliers anticipate revenue increases not to exceed 20 percent, a deceleration of more than 10 percentage points from the 36 percent upswing achieved earlier this year. 

In the first seven months of 2010, overseas shipments of fitness equipment and accessories surged 34 percent to 749.3 million kilograms, generating nearly $1.7 billion in revenue.

Uncertainties for the coming period stem primarily from the slowdown in US economic recovery and the debt crisis in the EU, which may lead clients to cut back on orders or negotiate for lower prices.

Consequently, suppliers are keen on keeping prices stable in coming months. With higher manufacturing outlay pushing quotes upward, however, many are faced with the challenge of sacrificing already thin margins to remain competitive.

This report covers treadmills, exercise bikes, steppers, elliptical trainers, strength training machines, vibration exercise machines, children's fitness equipment, and popular accessories such as exercise balls, free weights and hand grips.