The global electronics sector is expected to continue to grow, a likelihood acknowledged by many of the respondents to the Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Spring 2025) survey conducted among 641 industry players this April.
How Good Is the Overall Picture of the Electronics Industry?
Overall, the survey indicated that many electronics traders were broadly positive with regard to their future market prospects, expecting that their overall sales levels would rise or, at least, remain the same over both the short (6‑to‑12 months) and medium terms (12‑24 months). More specifically, 29% of respondents expected sales to grow in the short term (with 58% expecting sales to remain stable), while 40% saw growth as likely over the medium term (with 50% expecting sales to remain stable).
Challenges On the Horizon Yet Stable Future Outlook
In addition to the US tariffs, many industry players also indicated a wariness of the potential challenges represented by several broader macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainties, including the negative impact of growing protectionist measures (e.g. the China‑US trade war, export controls and sanctions) (42%), the likelihood of global economic fluctuations (37%) and the impact of inflation (33%).
When questioned as to the likely performance of a number of key markets, respondents expressed particular optimism with regard to many of the Asian markets. When asked to rate markets on a scale of 1 (“very unpromising”) to 5 (“very promising”), Mainland China was seen as having the highest potential (at 4.02), followed by South Korea (3.96), Hong Kong (3.80) and Taiwan (3.69).
What Electronic & Tech Products Will Stand Out in the Market?
In terms of product categories tipped to do well, Internet of Things (IoT) compatible systems were seen as having the highest growth potential, receiving the endorsement of 22% of respondents. This was largely on account of their ever‑broadening prospects within the smart home / living products and solutions sectors. Lagging only slightly behind (cited by 19% of respondents) were mobile devices and accessories (excluding wearable electronic items).
How Can AI Help the Electronics Sector Thrive?
It was also notable that generative artificial intelligence (AI) continued to be a key area of interest for many survey participants, with 56% indicating they had explored the use of such technology. In terms of priority areas for deployment, 58% of those exploring the technology highlighted customer service / support, with 53% also seeing applications within the product design / development sectors. Overall, more than 90% of respondents indicated an expectation that, in the future, Generative AI will become more significant (60%) or mandatory (36%).
Where Is the Next Electronics Marketplace?
Unsurprisingly, e‑commerce was acknowledged as a key sales channel for the electronics industry. Indeed, most respondents (61%) indicated that they used an online sales channel.
Summary
Electronics traders displayed a general optimism of the electrical and tech sector and they see potential in further generative AI adoption to facilitate daily trade. They considered smart home and living as the biggest product category in the near future. Buyers and suppliers worldwide are recommended to follow these trends to achieve business growth.
Explore Full Survey Findings
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Despite Uncertainties, Electronics Market Outlook Remains Stable
E-commerce continues to rise as shown in the above survey findings – source quality and safe electronics, among other products, on our e-Marketplace now:
