HONG KONG, August 24, 2009 – Eighty-seven percent of surveyed China’s battery manufacturers project at least 10 percent growth in export sales this year, due to expected strong demand worldwide for mobile phones, laptops, digital still and video cameras, power tools and in-car devices. This is according to Global Sources' (NASDAQ: GSOL) China Sourcing Report: Batteries (http://www.ChinaSourcingReports.com/batteries09) .

Among 24 manufacturers surveyed:

• 38 percent will increase export quotes in the next six months;
• 33 percent will keep prices at current levels; and
• 29 percent will decrease export quotes.

"China is one of the world’s largest battery suppliers and accounts for 40 percent share of global output. The report revealed that despite an anticipated growth in exports, many manufacturers feel the need to increase prices in order to cushion rising production costs and to recoup losses from slow U.S. sales over the past few months," said Mark A. Saunderson, Publisher of the Report.

"However, price competition remains the primary concern and the majority of manufacturers will either keep their current price levels the same or reduce them to remain competitive. For those who are adjusting their quotes upwards, the increase will be marginal and will not be more than 10 percent."

Battery manufacturers revise business strategies

Manufacturers are strengthening their position globally by exploring new markets and expanding their business scope:

• While the majority of manufacturers are still looking to the EU (42 percent) and North America (21 percent) to drive exports, more will be increasing shipments to the Middle East (17 percent).
• Manufacturers are releasing products with enhanced functionality and greener properties. The key industry trends include improving product safety (37 percent), increasing capacity (21 percent), exploring alternative materials (17 percent), reducing self-discharge (17 percent) and improving waste management (8 percent).
• They will also expand their reach and explore new markets in the hybrid electric vehicles, e-bike, and medical and industry equipment sectors.

Supplier profiles, price forecasts and new mobile phone export models

The 98-page China Sourcing Report: Batteries provides detailed profiles of 24 suppliers with verified manufacturing and export credentials and contact details of an additional 17 exporters. It includes a Product Gallery featuring 89 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 (http://www.globalsources.com/SITE/MAGAZINES.HTM) .

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

The China Sourcing Report: Batteries is available for purchase at http://www.ChinaSourcingReports.com/batteries09 .

Free information about China battery suppliers and products can be found at www.chinasuppliers.globalsources.com/china-suppliers/Battery.htm .