The zipper output in China, spurred by the rising demand of textile, bags, shoes and sports goods, is expected to grow 20 percent annually.

Statistics from the China National Hardware Association (CNHA) showed that the sales value of zipper in China totalled 25 billion yuan (3.02 billion US dollars) in 2004, about half of the world's total.

With more than 2,000 manufacturers, mostly in Zhejiang, Guangdong and Fujian Provinces, China has become the world's largest zipper producer since 1999.

Approximately 80 percent of China-made zipper products were exported directly or indirectly last year.

Chinese zipper manufacturers now hold approximately 30,000 patents of various kinds. The sector keeps introducing advanced equipment from foreign countries and has begun marching into the high-end market dominated by Japanese peers.

The CNHA has picked up, through appraisal, the 10 indigenous zipper brand-names including SBS made in Fujian Province, YCC in Shanghai Municipality, YQQ in Wenzhou City and WHH in Zhejiang Province.

Source: Xinhua