App III
UALITY FASHION GARMENTS
Supply pattern of fashion fabrics
1
In the area of fashion fabrics which include high fashion shirting materials, stretch corduroy, quality outerwear fabrics and high fashion woollen fabrics and high fashion woollen fabrics, it appears that woollen fabrics have the best potential of sales in Hong Kong. In 1979, Hong Kong's demand in woollen fabrics was met by imports to the extend of 99%. The UK was the largest supplier by value. In terms of quantity, UK rank third in 1979, accounted for 14.8% after China's 32.4% and Japan's 22.1%. Both China and Japan supplied relatively cheaper woollen fabrics with price ranging from HK$14.40 - HK$16.70 per sq/m. UK fabric was however around HK844 per sq/m. Therefore in general, the higher the price, the smaller the volume, and UK's performance in Hong Kong is considered good.
Factors determining sales to Hong Kong
2 There appears to be a gradual increase of demand for quality woollen fabric in Hong Kong as they have up-graded and up-traded our garments. These quality fabrics could be supplied from the UK. Provided the price, the quality and the delivery are right.
Quality
3 UK's quality has proven to be consistently good.
Price
4 Price is naturally the determining factor. Now that the sterling has resumed being a strong currency, UK should be in a favourable position to compete.
Experience in purchase or attempt to purchase from the UK
UK
5 There seems to be a problem on sampling of fashion fabrics. manufacturers appear to prefer selling their own designs and there is a lack of willingness to consider samples at Hong Kong manufacturers' request. This lack of flexibility accounts for certain difficulties in Hong Kong because they generally have to work on their buyer's preference.
6
In the trade of quality fashion garments, the speed to communicate and finalise enquiries is essential in order to keep pace with the rapid change of the fashion scene. Experience tells that lengthy times spent with the UK manufacturers to conclusions have more than occasionally fallen behind changing fashions, resulting in the inquiries failing to serve their original purposes.
7 Another problem is that certain types of fabric with well known UK private labels produced in the UK, are on quota basis controlling the UK manufacturers and since allocation is limited by quantity, even if there is a greater demand, UK suppliers simply cannot supply. Hong Kong wants to be associated with famous brand names.
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