The lighting market is currently enjoying a period of relative stability, according to an HKTDC survey of 444 exhibitors and buyers conducted onsite during the Spring edition of the 2025 HKTDC Smart Lighting Expo and Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (6-8 April). Overall, the survey found that, across the industry, most respondents were broadly positive with regard to future market prospects and expected overall sales levels to rise over the course of the next two years. Such optimism notwithstanding, there was also a general awareness that global economic fluctuations, the increasingly keen competition within the industry and the impact of inflation could temper any growth in lighting sales.

Hong Kong exports a wide range of lighting products, including table, bedside, floor-standing, and portable lamps. Other major products include wall and ceiling lighting, chandeliers, and lighting fittings, as well as decorative items like Christmas tree lighting sets and lamp shades. In 2024, Hong Kong's total lighting product exports rose by 3.5%. The major export markets were the United States, the EU and mainland China.

Six government departments, including the Ministry of Commerce, unveiled on 27 January a policy regarding home renovations, and kitchen and bathroom makeovers, and pledged to support local governments in delivering it. The policy will focus on green development, smart applications and elderly-friendly transformation. Individuals will be given support in undertaking renovations to old buildings, and partial improvements to kitchens and bathrooms. Subsidies will mainly be given towards five major categories of products: furnishing materials; sanitaryware; furniture and lighting; home automation; and elderly-friendly transformation materials. Subsidies may amount to 30% of the actual sales value. The principle of territoriality will be implemented and online and offline business entities will be given the same treatment in the granting of subsidies. Business entities operating under different ownership systems, in different places of registration, and on different scales, will all have an opportunity to participate in the programme.

The future of the lighting market is characterised by optimism, though uncertainty in the global economy, fluctuating exchange rates, and the impact of inflation and protectionism could temper overall growth in 2025, according to the latest HKTDC survey. Some 710 exhibitors and buyers at the autumn edition of the 2024 HKTDC Hong Kong International Lighting Fair and the Hong Kong International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo took part in the survey in October, with respondents generally optimistic about market prospects.

Canadian authorities have adopted more stringent requirements for certain mercury-containing products in an effort to meet the requirements of the Minamata Convention and in some cases go beyond those requirements.

The lighting industry is currently characterized by a widespread sentiment of positivity and hopefulness, according to an HKTDC on-site questionnaire survey of the 507 exhibitors and buyers at the inaugural Smart Lighting Expo and the Spring Edition of the 2024 Hong Kong International Lighting Fair. Most of the traders and industry participants who were surveyed expressed confidence in the market prospects.

A prevailing sense of optimism fills the lighting market, according to an HKTDC on-site questionnaire survey of the 764 exhibitors and buyers at the Autumn Edition of the 2023 Hong Kong International Lighting Fair. Most traders are confident with the market prospects and expect overall sales to increase in 2024 and 2025, along with a rise in the retail price of the lighting products.

Japanese companies have a long-standing presence in Hong Kong dating back to the early 20th century, with many operating from this strategic business hub for more than 50 years. One of those is the lighting solutions provider Ushio Inc. In an interview with HKTDC Research, Yasunori Sugiyama, vice chairman of the company’s Hong Kong-based subsidiary Ushio Hong Kong, explained how Hong Kong continues to play a strategic role for Japanese businesses, and mapped out its plans for future.

In the run-up to the HKTDC Hong Kong International Lighting Fair, it appears that sustainability is set to be one of the event’s defining issues.

HKTDC Research interviewed Anas Al-Haj, Managing Director, Qatar of Crystal Palace Lighting, about the latest market trends and development in the Middle East lighting industry, as well as emerging opportunities for Hong Kong companies.