Going up-market amidst pent-up demand.

The market opportunities in Mexico for China-supplied porcelain and ceramic tableware could allow for greatly increased sales. This follows the failure of the Mexican industry's anti-dumping complaints and results in lower duties on Mainland goods by 73% for porcelain (to 26%) and by 72% for ceramics (to 23%) as from late May 2007.

Given the youth-driven economy and an increasing number of well-off consumers, reasonably-priced goods from China are likely to be a boon to Mexican retailers, giving the impetus for increased demand across the product range.

Observers note that microwave- and dishwasher-friendly pieces at reasonable prices are likely to be among products leading the next wave of demand, as homes become more open to electrical labour-saving devices, particularly in the upper end of the market.

Currently, such products are on sale at the higher-end stores but attract major brand definition - meaning that mid-market consumers think twice before buying such high-priced goods.

With a strategy of providing better-quality, Hong Kong and Chinese mainland suppliers could also consider tapping the burgeoning demand for bio-degradable and energy-sustainable tableware products.

US-based online retailers are offering dishware made from disposable materials such as sugar cane fibre. These items include bowls, plates, sushi trays, lunch boxes and soup cups - all of which are likely to find a market in both homes and through food retail chains.

Not only are such products environmentally friendly - likely to appeal to both importers and government agencies - but they are also water and oil proof and capable of being used in microwave ovens and refrigerators.

from Vicky Acevedo, Mexico City Consultant and
Martin Evan-Jones, Hong Kong Head Office

(Image courtesy of Xinhua News Agency)