Germany is tops for toy exports

Toy exports to Germany are expected to increase despite a slowdown in the consumer market there, according to Gerd Bise, general manager of the Nurnberg International Toy Fair.

'Compared with the previous year, growth was up 4 per cent this year from January to May. These figures are all the more impressive by comparison with the rest of the European markets which are in decline,' Mr Bise said yesterday.

Hong Kong was the fourth largest exporter of toys to Germany last year, with sales of more than $4.2 billion.

Mr Bise said the efforts of toy traders at the annual toy fair in Nurnberg also helped enhance trading volumes.

The fair is the largest event of its kind, with 2,700 exhibitors attending last year.

Hong Kong was represented by 179 companies in the fair in February, the second largest contingent behind Italy which had 196 exhibitors.