Reliable exporters: find them and meet them

HONG KONG, July 20, 2011 – China suppliers of medical products and supplies are incorporating advanced technologies in new models for better performance, even as they work to minimize price increases. This is according to Global Sources' (NASDAQ: GSOL) China Sourcing Report: Medical Products & Supplies (http://www.chinasourcingreports.com/medicalproductssupplies).

The Report covers the major categories of China's medical products and supplies industry, namely dentistry equipment and supplies, medical diagnostic instruments, wound care products and patient care supplies.

Publisher of the Report, Livia Yip, said: "China suppliers are reacting to strong demand for many product categories, especially in the main markets of the US and the EU where health care is of preeminent interest. Seeking a competitive edge, they are enhancing performance through a range of features, with the focus generally on heightened speed, accuracy and convenience."

Among numerous upgrade examples cited in China Sourcing Report: Medical Products & Supplies are new magnetostriction dental cleaners with better speed and reduced user sensation, electronic stethoscopes featuring data transfer, and improved software enabling speech-to-text conversion. Performance is also enhanced in wound care products through the use of new materials that strictly inhibit bacteria exchange.

Suppliers devise measures to ease price pressure
All this comes as suppliers battle rising costs on several fronts, with higher product prices unavoidable. "An overwhelming 74 percent of suppliers interviewed by Global Sources for this Report said they must raise prices in the coming months to offset increased outlay," Yip said.

While half of manufacturers plan to limit increases to 10 percent, about one-fourth of companies feel the need to raise quotes by 11 to 15 percent or even more.

China manufacturers of medical products and supplies are mainly concerned about higher material costs, with 47 percent of survey respondents listing this as their biggest challenge. According to the Report, the cost of various manufacturing inputs such as cotton, latex, PVC and PE has been climbing since 2010. Expenditure on latex for medical gloves has soared by 80 percent in the eight months after May 2010.

Moreover, labor wages are 10 to 25 percent higher than a year ago, and the Chinese Yuan's appreciation is also hitting exporters' earnings.

To compensate, some companies are switching to less-costly materials without compromising quality, streamlining manufacturing processes, and reducing waste and energy consumption.

Other industry trends indicated by China Sourcing Report: Medical Products & Supplies include:

• Optimistic sales growth projections among 90% of surveyed suppliers, even with cost challenges
• Plans for boosting capital expenditure among 80% of manufacturers
• Stricter overseas standards emerging as a key concern

Supplier profiles, price forecasts, and the latest medical products & supplies for export
The 77-page China Sourcing Report: Medical Products & Supplies provides detailed profiles of 30 suppliers with verified manufacturing and export credentials, plus contact details of 26 more suppliers. It also includes a Product Gallery featuring 78 of the most popular export models, with key specifications and full-color pictures.

The Report's surveys, price trends and supply forecasts aim to help buyers make better-informed purchasing decisions.

Specialized Global Sources websites, face-to-face events, trade magazines and research reports
China Sourcing Reports are part of Global Sources' sourcing and product information services. These include Global Sources Online (http://www.globalsources.com), China Sourcing Fairs (http://www.chinasourcingfair.com), Online Sourcing Fairs (http://www.onlinesourcingfair.com), Private Sourcing Events (http://www.PrivateSourcingEvents.com) and Global Sources monthly magazines (http://www.globalsources.com/SITE/MAGAZINES.HTM).

For more information about Global Sources' products and services that connect quality buyers with verified suppliers, visit http://www.corporate.globalsources.com.

China Sourcing Report: Medical Products & Supplies is available for purchase at http://www.chinasourcingreports.com/medicalproductssupplies.

Free information about China suppliers of medical products and supplies can be found at http://www.chinasuppliers.globalsources.com/china-suppliers/Wound-Care.htm.