Click here for Export Advice This section of the website contains downloadable reports on overseas markets from recent magazine articles and overseas visits. A comprehensive and detailed selection of market information is available to members in our export library. For further information, contact any member of the British Jewellery & Giftware International team. Market Focus – Russia In recent years, Russia has been one of the most promising “emerging markets” for UK gift and jewellery companies, enjoying rapid economic growth. However the recent economic crisis has affected it more than many other countries. Yulya Alekseyeva, from UKTI in Russia assesses the opportunities in the wake of the “crash” There is no doubt that the Russian consumer market has been affected by recent events. Previously growing at around 15% per year, consumer spending fell drastically in the first months of 2009 - in the jewellery sector by 50%!  Nevertheless, market players are still quite optimistic – the drop in demand was not as dramatic as was expected taking into account the economic downturn. The Russian market still enjoys considerable long-term potential, due to the sheer size of the market (100 million people), and the fact that the Russian regions have lagged behind Moscow in major retail developments and trends. The market for jewellery (including both precious and costume jewellery) previously grew 30-40% year on year, the giftware and tableware market grew at 10% -15%, and was far from saturation. Most experts agree that these trends are likely to continue after the economy stabilises. In the meantime, suppliers have to adjust to new buying habits of Russian consumers who have become less spontaneous, more conscious of quality and price, and simply having less money to spend. The demand is still here, people are still keen to buy gifts, nice items for the home and jewellery pieces, however the nature of the market has changed.         A downloadable version of the full artical is available here: MARKET FOCUS ON RUSSIA (PDF 1MB)     Dubai Market Visit and Showcase 02-05 November 2008 British Jewellery & Giftware International in conjunction with UK Trade & Investment and North Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce organised a trade mission and showcase reception event in Dubai in November 2008. The showcase reception, held at the Al Marooj Hotel consisted of over 20 participants showcasing from designer jewellery, silverware, paintings, ceramic tableware and fashion clothing. With over 100 attendees and some from leading hotels, department stores and galleries the event once again proved to be highly successful. For further information on the event, please contact Taran Thabal on Tel: +44 (0) 121 237 1115 or email taran.thabal@bjgf.org.uk     Japan Showcase and Market Visit 17-21 November 2008 British Jewellery & Giftware International in collaboration with UK Trade & Investment, UK Fashion Exports and London Jewellery Exports organised showcases and market visits within Tokyo contacts were invited to the showcase reception.  The day started with the British Embassy team briefing the mission participants about the market.  The showcase then ran from 1.00pm until 6.00pm.    The second part of the showcase took place in Osaka at the Ritz Carlton, where 50 contacts, both buyers and press were invited.  Both events were successful with the Tokyo leg generating the most positive feedback from participants. If you require further information on this visit or next year’s trip please contact Rebecca Gough on 0121 237 1119 or email Rebecca.gough@bjgf.org.uk.and Osaka.  The Tokyo showcase took place at the Ambassadors residence within the British Embassy compound.  200 key buyers from the specific industries and press. Country Focus on Finland Export Manager Mike Josypenko reports on his recent visit to Finland Best known as the home of Father Christmas, Finland is something of a mystery to many Britons. However Britain is definitely not a mystery to Finns – in common with many Scandinavians, British culture and television is staple fare in Finnish homes and it was no surprise to see Jamie Oliver and Nigella Lawson’s faces peering out from product displays in the house- and tableware department of Helsinki’s leading department store, Stockmann. However, apart from Jamie and Nigella, it was surprising that there were very few UK gift, jewellery and home products on display in the shops of Helsinki.   A downloadable version of the full artical is available here: COUNTRY FOCUS ON FINLAND (PDF 2MB) Hong Kong & China - Opportunities Greater Than Ever Ten years after it became a Special Administrative Region of China, Hong Kong is now better placed than ever to help UK giftware and jewellery companies source and sell in Asia. “Over the last decade Hong Kong has reinforced its position as the pre-eminent trade platform for British SMEs wanting to do business in China and the Asia-Pacific region,” says Hong Kong Trade Development Council’s Director UK and Ireland David Marsden.   A downloadable version of the full artical is available here: HONG KONG & CHINA (PDF 2MB) Country Focus – India With a population of around 1 billion, and an annual economic growth rate of around 8 per cent, India is regularly quoted as one of the emerging giants of the world economy. For many jewellers, India is considered as a sourcing market, but the huge growth in Indian economic performance is leading to new opportunities for UK jewellery exporters. Although the vast multitude of Indian citizens still live in comparative poverty, the recent years of growth have led to a middle & consumer class which numbers around 300 million (the size of the USA!), and which is growing at a rate of around 15 million per year. This affluent class, like its counterparts in other emerging economies, is keen to embrace international trends and fashions in consumer goods of all types.   A downloadable version of the full artical is available here: COUNTRY FOCUS INDIA(PDF 2MB)