China’s toy exports rose 20% despite recalls

 

The exports worth $7.07 billion (Dh26 billion) between January and October were a 20.1 per cent increase from the same period in 2006, the official Xinhua News Agency said.

"The 10-month period saw China's toy exports to European and North American markets recover and that to emerging markets grow rapidly," Xinhua said.

The Xinhua report did not give the number of toys exported during the 10 months. The government has said that China, the world's largest toy manufacturer, exported 22 billion toys in 2006, about 60 per cent of the world's total.

The quality of Beijing's exports came under international scrutiny last March after dog and cat deaths in North America were linked to a pet food ingredient made in China. Concerns grew after potentially dangerous toxins and chemicals were found in products ranging from toothpaste to fish.

America's Mattel Inc. then recalled more than 21 million Chinese-made toys worldwide. Products including Barbie doll accessories and toy cars were pulled off shelves because of concerns about lead paint or tiny detachable magnets that could be swallowed.

The top two markets remained the European Union and the United States, which together bought 67.6 per cent of China's total toy exports between January and October, Xinhua said. (AP)