HONG KONG, April 29, 2008 – Due largely to higher labor and raw material costs, 77 percent of Greater China costume jewelry manufacturers expect to raise prices in 2008. This is according to Global Sources (NASDAQ: GSOL) China Sourcing Report: Costume Jewelry (http://www.chinasourcingreports.com/costumejewelry07).

"Despite an average rise in production expenses of about 20 percent, most manufacturers are unable to raise prices significantly because of fierce price competition,"said report publisher, Spenser Au. "In fact, 62 percent of surveyed manufacturers said they plan to limit price increases to 5 percent or less to remain competitive."

Among surveyed costume jewelry suppliers' challenges for the next 12 months:

• 31 percent cited higher raw material costs;
• 27 percent said price competition;
• 19 percent indicated labor shortages;
• 17 percent cited design copying and piracy; and
• 6 percent said stricter overseas standards.

Costume Jewelry Suppliers Targeting EU/USA Markets, Shortening Design Cycles and Widening Product Lines

Among surveyed suppliers' marketing plans for the next 12 months:

• 47 percent plan to target exports to the EU;
• 37 percent plan to focus on exports to North America;
• 10 percent plan to target exports to Non-EU European countries; and
• 6 percent plan to focus on the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

Among surveyed suppliers' plans to improve capabilities:

• 38 percent plan to work on shortening design and development time;
• 29 percent plan to broaden product ranges;
• 23 percent plan to focus on staff training;
• 6 percent plan to shorten delivery times; and
• 4 percent plan to work on obtaining certifications and approvals.

Au said: "Suppliers are looking toward less price-conscious markets in order to improve profit margins. However, to compete in these markets, they need to improve their design and manufacturing capabilities.

"As suppliers get more in tune with market trends, buyers can expect to see more original and higher end designs from Greater China suppliers."

In-Factory Interviews, Price Forecasts and New Costume Jewelry Export Models

The 118-page China Sourcing Report: Costume Jewelry provides detailed profiles of 52 suppliers with verified manufacturing and export credentials. It includes a Product Gallery featuring 189 of the most popular export models, with key specifications and full-color pictures.

The Report's surveys, price trends and supply forecasts aim to help buyers make better-informed purchasing decisions.

Specialized Global Sources Websites, Trade Shows, Magazines and Research Reports

China Sourcing Reports are part of Global Sources' sourcing and product information services. These include Global Sources Online (http://www.chinasourcingreports.com/costumejewelry07), China Sourcing Fairs (http://www.chinasourcingfair.com), Global Sources trade magazines and Global Sources Direct (http://www.GlobalSourcesDirect.com). For more information, visit http://www.corporate.globalsources.com .

The China Sourcing Report: Costume Jewelry is available for purchase at http://www.chinasourcingreports.com/costumejewelry07

Free information about Greater China jewelry suppliers and products can be found at http://www.chinasuppliers.globalsources.com/china-suppliers/Costume-Jewelry.htm