Demand surges for affordable models

	The HG-AC0026 model from Holy Good is made of enameled cast zinc alloy and inlayed with rhinestones.

Makers are releasing more low-end designs that undergo cost-efficient printing.

Export conditions in China are favorable for less-expensive wood and metal crafts as overseas markets continue to exhibit price sensitivity.

The majority of affordable models are daily-use items, which range typically from $0.20 to $20. Companies that specialize in such products anticipate total orders in 2010 to exceed those of the previous year.

Even within this category, makers are emphasizing flat pieces that usually bear the lowest quotes. These versions now often undergo printing that costs 20 to 30 percent less than handpainting. The latter technique was a popular alternative for pattern and color application.

While switching to flat products can result in export stability or even growth, the step does not guarantee business viability.

At Singsong (Shanghai) Gift Enterprise Co. Ltd, purchase quantities have been rising but values are now on a downward trend. Typically, the maker receives orders of 200 to 500 flat wood and metal models, well short of the 2,000 to 5,000 pieces said to be the minimum for profitability. The equivalent number for manually painted versions is fewer than 1,000.

On the other hand, Zhejiang Hongye Art & Craft Co. Ltd is not experiencing a significant reduction in international demand. For several years, the supplier has focused output on printed flat wood products, with most going for $1.

In response to the ongoing labor shortage faced by various industries in China, many makers of wood and metal crafts are raising salaries to keep workforces at optimal levels. Such increases range between 10 and 40 percent but do not typically affect quotes as buyers continue to be price conscious. Smaller operations, however, are often unable to absorb the additional outlay.

Other suppliers are relying more on automated equipment that lessens dependence on manual processes while boosting production efficiency.

At Quanzhou Deyu Arts & Crafts Co. Ltd, wages have been reinforced by 15 to 25 percent to attract new staff. For 10 hours of daily work, monthly salaries are now at 1,500 or 1,600 yuan from the previous 1,300 yuan.

In addition, the manufacturer has procured glass-washing machines that reduce production time by 25 or 50 percent and glass-cutting devices with output equivalent to that of 10 technicians. Automatic paint-baking lines, which require only 60 to 70 percent of the processing duration of alternatives while lowering defect rates by 5 percent, are being used as well.

China’s labor issues began in the last quarter of 2009 but the full effects manifested after the February 2010 Lunar New Year holiday.

As many migrant workers did not return to their employers, delivery periods were prolonged and several suppliers experienced order cancellations.

Quanzhou Deyu, for example, lost 40 percent of its staff and was forced to increase shipping from 45 to 60 or 75 days to compensate. As a result, about 10 percent of purchases did not push through.

The situation has since stabilized because of the company’s compensatory measures.

The extent of the labor shortage varies according to the workforce characteristics. Locations with high numbers of migrant personnel were the most affected by staffing problems.

The latest wood craft models from China, the bulk of which are made of plywood or MDF, reflect efforts to meet requirements in major overseas markets. For versions shipped to California, suppliers have to obtain CARB certification to signify their compliance with the ATCM, which sets the maximum level of formaldehyde emissions in composite wood products.

The second phase of this standard, which was implemented at the start of 2010, lessens further the permissible emanations of the gas.

Veneer-core hardwood plywood now bears a limit of 0.05ppm, while allowable amounts for other types will be reduced in succeeding years.

China-based manufacturers do not encounter difficulty in meeting these requirements, as specialists can provide compliant materials readily.

Such types cost more than alternatives that release formaldehyde in a greater concentration, with an ATCM phase 2-certified 122x244cm plywood going for $15.70 or about 5 percent higher than a phase 1 piece. Nevertheless, makers plan to absorb the additional outlay to keep prices attractive.

Crafts from China are available as daily-use models that can double as candle-, pen- and business card holders, iconic figurines, trinket boxes, flowerpots and birdhouses. These go for $0.20 to $10.

Such products are often made of low-end deal, pine and other solid wood types, and MDF and plywood that are processed by machines or tools.

Tin plate and galvanized iron are material options, and utilized as sheets, wires and tubes. Shaping is done through stamping, punching, bending and welding.

Further, many daily-use crafts are fitted with bowknots, manually applied 3D designs and ribbons in fabric, glass, ceramic, polyresin, plastic or paper to enhance aesthetics.

Paint is usually sprayed before messages. Patterns or colors, meanwhile, are silk-screened or transfer-printed. Handpainting allows greater amounts of detail but increases prices by 20 to 30 percent. Metal releases can also feature embossing.

Models are suitable for indoor and garden settings. While Christmas, Halloween and holiday motifs are among the most popular, output of character, animal, fashion and home themes is strong as well.

A number of companies offer daily-use crafts made of pewter or zinc alloy. Standard products are cast figurines with realistic details and a length or height of 10cm. Prices are between $2 and $20.

Models in the first metal type are shaped by spin casting, while releases in the latter utilize gravity casting. Of these, the former yields more intricate results.

Pewter is generally in proportions of 30 or 40 percent lead to 60 or 70 percent tin. Quotes are 10 percent higher than those for zinc alloy versions.

Pure tin is employed if buyers prefer output to be lead-free. The material cost is double the typical pewter and raises prices by 60 to 70 percent.

Metal models use a variety of surface treatments, including enameling, electroplating and rhinestone inlay. The first method can impart a gold, silver or bronze color.

China makers offer a range of crafts that draws on classical themes such as mythology, history, religion and famous art for inspiration.

For wood carvings, Dongyang, Longan, boxwood and gold-and-lacquer types are available. Camphor, and bass- and rosewood are the popular material types.

Dongyang carvings, which emphasize traditional relief techniques, account for the majority of output in this category. These intricate models also allow use as home accents, and go for $10 to $200 according to the size, woodworking method and design. Typical export items have a length or height of 10 to 100cm.

Models include plaques, screens, figurines and sculptures that utilize various handcarving techniques. Most are varnished to preserve the natural color. Manufacturing is done in Dongyang city of Zhejiang province, which has a 1,000-year history in the line.

Classical cast-metal crafts are made of bronze or zinc alloy and employ copper molds that enable more intricate detailing than daily-use versions, which require steel molds. The former material can also be processed through lost-wax casting. Products are usually wall-mount reliefs, sculptures and realistic figurines 10 to 100cm tall and priced at $20 to $400.

Wenzhou Hede Imp. & Exp. Corp. specializes in bronze models, some of which are handpainted in gold and other colors.

In addition to the classical themes, the company offers items in modern motifs.