To produce these reports, Global Sources interviewed a wide range of companies. Rather than focus on high-profile makers, we compiled a representative sample of large, midsize and emerging manufacturers. All profiled companies are export-oriented professional suppliers that are verified by Global Sources. Each supplier is confirmed to be authentic with a legally registered business. Suppliers may or may not be clients of Global Sources.

Although mainland China is the focus of coverage, suppliers from Taiwan, Hong Kong, and South Korea have been included in reports where production has not shifted primarily to the mainland.

For each company profile, our research teams interviewed senior executives and export managers who discussed their recent performance, and production and export capability. The interviews were done by phone or e-mail.

In each case, companies were required to answer specific questions designed to verify their manufacturing and export credentials, including a breakdown of exports by product type and market.

All suppliers were asked to participate in a survey designed to provide insight into price trends, sales outlook, target markets and challenges in the next 6 to 12 months. These are discussed in the Supplier Survey section in each report.

A product gallery containing images and detailed descriptions of a range of top-selling products from profiled suppliers is also included.