Hardware & DIY

Adoption of ABS is becoming more widespread among China's manufacturers of toolboxes and cabinets, as rising metal costs trouble the industry yet again. After falling from their record highs in 2008 during the first half of 2009, rates for aluminum and steel alloys are once more on an upward trend, putting pressure on prices. The two materials are the top choices for several styles, including cantilever boxes and large cabinets.

Additional tariffs are compelling China suppliers of pipes and pipe fittings to seek new marketing strategies to stay afloat. This is a result of the US and the EU having tacked anti-dumping duties on China-made imports of steel pipes for use in the oil and gas industries.

Output of engineered models is on the rise. Bamboo designs are also making headway in the US.

China suppliers of wood and bamboo flooring are focusing on environment-friendly designs amid growing ecological awareness in the key markets of the US and the EU.

Engineered models lead selections in the first category, accounting for 65 percent of output. Making far more efficient use of resources than solid wood versions, such products come in at least three layers. The uppermost segment is made of timber from broad-leaved trees, including beech, teak, ash and birch. Soft lumber such as pine and poplar constitute the middle part. Rotary cut poplar, birch and pine veneer serve as bottom layers.

Suppliers are strengthening foothold in the Middle East and Africa to take advantage of the regions' strong government support for the line.

Still wary after being hit hard by the economic crisis, several suppliers of solar panels in China are boosting efforts to cultivate the Middle East and Africa. Although the EU and the US are becoming more stable financially, many are cautious of relying solely on these traditional markets as exports there fell sharply during the slump.

Guangdong, recognized more as an electronics manufacturing base, is steadily firming up its position as an important sourcing center for LED lighting in China. The province currently leads in terms of LED bulb production, contributing about 60 percent to the country's total annual output.

China suppliers are taking padlock performance up a notch to satisfy tightening security requirements in the high end.

Under this thrust, most makers are investing in QC and material upgrades for traditional cylinder-operated designs.