The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) today concluded seven flagship lifestyle and licensing events, attracting over 95,000 buyers from 134 countries and regions for sourcing and business negotiations. The events included the Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair, Home InStyle, Fashion InStyle, Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair, DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong, Hong Kong International Licensing Show (HKILS), and the Asian Licensing Conference (ALC). These fairs underscore Hong Kong's international trade strength and its ability to connect global buyers with diverse sourcing options.
Non-local buyers primarily came from Chinese Mainland, Taiwan, and Japan, with significant growth from the Philippines, Canada, and Türkiye. Jenny Koo, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director, stated that the events align with the national 15th Five-Year Plan, enhancing Hong Kong's role as a regional intellectual property trading hub. "The seven flagship events fully showcased Hong Kong's distinctive strengths in lifestyle, cultural and creative design, brand development, and intellectual property," she said.
A survey of 1,541 exhibitors and buyers revealed that nearly half (49.0%) expect sales growth in the next one to two years. Respondents identified global economic fluctuations (47.8%), geopolitical tensions (37.2%), and protectionist measures (33.7%) as key challenges. Promising sales prospects were seen in ASEAN countries (69.0%), Taiwan (67.9%), and India (66.7%).
Cross-sector opportunities were evident, with Semk Holdings International Limited, a character IP licensing firm, connecting with buyers from Mexico, Canada, Europe, and Southeast Asia at the Gifts & Premium Fair. The UAE made its debut at the fair, with Alpha Art founder Mohanmed Alayat reporting potential orders of around US$1 million. Three MOUs were signed, including with the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Shanxi Provincial Committee and the Busan Economic Promotion Agency, to deepen trade ties.
Fashion InStyle featured the NEXT@Fashion InStyle zone with over 60 new material exhibitors. Textile Library from Hangzhou showcased patented fabrics, attracting international buyers. New exhibitor New High Limited connected with 50 potential buyers, including from Dubai and North Africa, with expected orders of US$100,000. Brazilian fashion brand Amaro established cooperation with exhibitors from India and Chinese Mainland, with an initial order of approximately US$100,000.
Home InStyle introduced innovative materials, with Lotux International Holdings presenting biodegradable lotus stem products. allcareAI Limited debuted an infection-prevention mobile toilet for gerontechnology, receiving over 20 enquiries. TFE Holdings Limited showcased a concrete coffee machine and expects around 15 orders worth US$1 million.
The Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair attracted buyers like Hot Packaging LLC from the Middle East, which sourced eco-friendly packaging solutions with initial orders estimated at US$35,000 to US$75,000. W.H.Y. Brand Consultancy participated in DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong for the first time, connecting with printers and design firms, with expected business of around US$400,000.
Buyers praised the efficient sourcing platforms. Henry Huang of Umbra Ltd identified 20 potential suppliers at Home InStyle, with total orders up to US$100,000. Jaime Gonzalez of Promo Life spent US$200,000 on keychains and magnets from a Hong Kong exhibitor. At HKILS, Postgal Workshop reached a licensing agreement worth over US$200,000 with Malaysia's M&M Creations Holdings. Maura Regan of Licensing International noted significant growth across property types, driven by consumer demand for immersive experiences.
