AsiaInspection Q1 2010 Barometer: Chinese Imports Lead Global Recovery

Figures released by the quality control industry in Asia are good indicators of the health of International Trade. Based on a few of these indicators, AsiaInspection publishes this barometer on a quarterly basis. With over 10,000 inspections performed during the first quarter of 2010 (+34% from Q1 2009), AsiaInspection has identified some interesting trends.

Q1 2010 inspection figures indicate nations are recovering from the recent global recession and buying from China with renewed confidence. Total inspections in Q1 2010 are up +34% from Q1 2009 and audits are up +61%; indicating that the demand for quality products among worldwide importers continues to soar.

China itself is ordering a larger and larger share of these inspections. According to our figures, inspections ordered by Chinese firms for Chinese products increased in 2010 to nearly eight times the figure for 2008. This explosive growth indicates an increased demand for quality control from the growing Chinese middle class, a group projected to grow from its current 43% of the population to 76% by 2025.

Concerning specific product inspections, the largest increase in Q1 2010 was in Garments and Textiles, up +71.4% from Q1 2009; followed by Toys/Recreational Items, up +43.8%; and Printing and Packaging, up +41.3%. With such increases in these categories traditionally dominated by China, there is little doubt that the country’s GDP will meet its projected growth target of 10.2% in 2010.

Eastern Europe Rebounds Explosively in 2010; Asia and Africa Outpace Europe, U.S.

Following a -36% decrease in ordered inspections in Q4, the Eastern European Economy, up +805% from Q1 2009, an explosive recession-rebound. Africa, +154%; The Middle East, +153%; and Asia, +82.2% also showed strong increases of ordered inspections performed in Asia. Other regions are recovering more slowly: North America was up +11.2%, topping their Q4 2009 increase of +1.8%. South America was up from Q1 2009 by +10.5%, while Western Europe was up +11.3%.

AsiaInspection is a quality control company performing product inspections, laboratory testing and factory & social audits in China and greater Asia for more than 4,000 clients worldwide – www.AsiaInspection.com