Not surprisingly, imported items like TV sets are in demand provided that they are price-competitive. In line with the World Trade Organisation's Information Technology Agreement, Thailand has also eliminated tariffs on 153 IT goods from 1 January 2000. Tariffs on another 37 items will be abolished from 2005. On the other hand, Thailand has raised duties on imported car parts. This coincided with the move to lift the requirement for local car makers to use a specified percentage of locally-made parts.
Soft drinks flow The soft drinks industry is one of the top performers in the Chinese mainland.
However, the mainland's per capita consumption of soft drinks was less than 10 litres in 1998, lower than the international average of 20 litres. The number of times they purchase clothes each year ranges from six to 22. US consumers show the keenest interest in buying clothes, but their Colombian counterparts give apparel shopping the lowest priority. South Koreans are thrifty when it comes to buying clothes. In these countries, apparel purchases are more a necessity than a luxury, and are less driven by fashion.