HONG KONG, April 1, 2009 – China's mobile phone suppliers plan to slash export prices, increase output of multifunctional models and target emerging markets, in efforts to boost sales amid the global economic slowdown. This is according to Global Sources' (NASDAQ: GSOL) China Sourcing Report: Mobile Phones (http://www.ChinaSourcingReports.com/mobilephones09).

Report Publisher, Mark A. Saunderson, said: "China's mobile phone suppliers are adapting to the current economic environment by offering models at lower price points. This is not to say China suppliers have moved to the low-end. In fact, some companies are escaping the price war by moving upmarket through high-end models that pack not only rich multimedia features but office applications as well.

"The need for product differentiation is expected to prompt manufacturers to focus R&D on the integration of more features. GPS (http://www.globalsources.com/manufacturers/GPS.htm) and mobile TV (http://www.globalsources.com/manufacturers/Mobile-TV.htm) are two main trends that are likely to be integrated into new releases."

Despite market challenges, suppliers expect output and export volumes in the coming months to remain steady or increase slightly, driven by anticipated growth in demand from emerging and less-developed regions. Among surveyed suppliers, 52 percent plan to target exports to the Asia-Pacific region and 11 percent plan to focus on exports to the Middle East.

Saunderson added: "Most of the surveyed suppliers are looking to offset lost sales to the United States and the EU by targeting emerging and developing markets. They are also seeking to improve operating efficiency and to shorten design and development time to boost export capacity."

Among surveyed suppliers' efforts to boost export capability:

• 52 percent plan to improve operating efficiency;
• 21 percent plan to shorten design and development time;
• 11 percent plan to widen product range;
• 11 percent plan to decrease product defects; and
• 5 percent plan to reduce product costs.

Supplier profiles, price forecasts and new mobile phone export models

The 87-page China Sourcing Report: Mobile Phones provides detailed profiles of 19 suppliers with verified manufacturing and export credentials. It includes a Product Gallery featuring 58 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, face-to-face events, magazines and research reports

China Sourcing Reports are part of Global Sources' sourcing and product information services. These include Global Sources Online (http://www.globalsources.com), China Sourcing Fairs (http://www.chinasourcingfair.com) and Global Sources monthly magazines.

For more information about Global Sources' products and services to connect quality buyers and quality suppliers, please visit Global Sources Corporate Information (http://corporate.globalsources.com).

The China Sourcing Report: Mobile Phones is available for purchase at http://www.ChinaSourcingReports.com/mobilephones09 .

Free information about China mobile phone suppliers and products can be found at http://www.chinasuppliers.globalsources.com/china-suppliers/Mobile-Phone.htm .