Report: double-digit growth in China's connector industry.

Global Sources Ltd. (Singapore, www.global sources.com) has released a new report, Connectors: Supplier Capability in China. The report cites that more than two-thirds of connectors being produced in mainland China are designed for use in consumer electronics, communications and computer industries--a segment that was expected to grow 26% in 2003. Demand from the computer and consumer electronics markets in particular is forecast to drive double-digit growth in the Chinese connector market during 2004.

Mark Saunderson, publisher of Asian Sources Electronic Components magazine, said, "Our research shows that international markets remain important to mainland connector manufacturers. Thirty-three percent of the companies covered in the report exported the majority of their output to the U.S., while 29% identified Europe as their primary market."

The findings indicate that mainland China is moving towards a more dominant position in the global connector supply market.

"Total sales of connectors are valued at $3.46 billion, representing 12% of the global market, and by 2004, the China Electro Connector Association expects that China will manufacture 17% of the world's connectors," said Saunderson.