The majority of China's sports ball manufacturers plan to expand capacity in 2008 as exports continue to increase, topping US$596 million in 2007 and posting double-digit growth in both volume and value. The high demand for inflatable and solid-core balls is driven by buyers who have shifted sourcing from India, Pakistan and Thailand to the mainland.

Although many China suppliers will upgrade existing facilities or build new ones, they still face rising production costs. Labor shortages in coastal provinces and escalating raw material costs are the main factors behind markups on finished product prices.

Specifically, additional expenses spent on attracting and retaining employees and on complying with the new Labor Law implemented in January 2008 have impacted export prices. Moreover, the costs of rubber and synthetic leathers, the main materials used for sports ball covers, have jumped an average of 15 percent.

With the help of this report, you too can profit from this rapidly growing industry.

This report will answer questions such as:

With profiles of 40 suppliers, a comprehensive industry overview, detailed product and pricing information as well as a full-color product gallery, this report will help you qualify suppliers before your next sourcing trip to China.