Major markets were the US, Europe and the Chinese mainland. Fittings for binders and files, clips and staples, writing and drawing inks, pens and sliding pencils are all large export categories. Chick says the Hong Kong International Stationery Fair targets not just Asian markets, but markets in the West as well. Manufacturers are responding to rising demand for products that are ergonomic in design and sophisticated in function. The trend is toward bright, multifunctional items.
Some models also feature optional stationery attachments, such as rulers, pencils and pens.
Other companies are making ball-point pens that incorporate magnifying glasses, needles and threads, or torches. Message pads with light displays to show incoming messages and dual-time LCD clocks are proving popular too. Stationery sets, typically consisting of a plastic ruler, tape measure, retractable paper cutter, tape dispenser, pencil and pencil sharpener, stapler and scissors, are another growing sales item. Also in demand are licensed products associated with animal or blockbuster-movie characters. Ringsun Industrial Ltd, which specializes in electronic staplers, punches and tape dispensers, has excelled with its Hello Kitty staplers.