camping equipment

China produces more than half of the world's output of camping equipment. In 2004, the country's exports amounted to an estimated US$2 billion, or roughly 90 percent of its total production. The majority of China's output consists of metal camping equipment, which accounted for 70 percent of the country's exports at US$1.4 billion. Wooden camping equipment exports were at US$400 million, and plastic camping equipment exports amounted to US$200 million. With demand increasing in the main export markets of the European Union, Asia and the United States, shipments in 2005 are expected to grow by 20 percent. Exports of camping equipment from China have been steadily rising even as the industry struggles with sharp increases in material costs, labor shortage and inadequate power supply. The country exported an estimated US$2 billion worth of camping equipment in 2004, and this is expected to increase by about 20 percent this year. Prices of most types of camping equipment are expected to increase moderately in the next six to 12 months to reflect adjustments in the cost of raw materials, including steel, aluminum, iron and plastic, whose prices have been fluctuating over the past 18 months.