China leads Asian consumption of technology
Smartphones are the most-owned tech device among online consumers in China
Mainland Chinese consumers lead the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region in the early adoption of new technologies and online purchases of hi-tech products, according to the Consumer Technology Association (CTA).
The findings in the CTA’s latest market study buttress recent industry forecasts that the mainland will account for more than half of the global retail e-commerce market by 2018.
“Given the country’s robust online marketplace and enthusiasm for technology, it’s no surprise China is far-and-away the APAC region leader when it comes to early tech adoption and online tech purchases,” said Gary Shapiro, the CTA’s president and chief executive.
The CTA, formerly known as the Consumer Electronics Association, and Intex Shanghai co-produced this year’s edition of the consumer electronics trade show CES Asia — a three-day event in Shanghai that concluded on Friday.
According to the association’s Asia-Pacific Consumer Tech Ownership and Opportunity Study, China has the highest percentage of self-reported early tech adopters, with 59 per cent indicating they buy a new tech device as soon, or shortly after, it is available.
Behind China are Malaysia and Indonesia at 49 per cent each. Vietnam is at 40 per cent and the Philippines is at 32 per cent.
The study found that 62 per cent of Chinese consumers are much more likely to shop online when considering their next tech purchase.