Weak demand and fluctuations in exchange rate hurt manufacturers

Higher-value Chinese exporters are more immune than low-cost manufacturers in the face of market turmoil from such things as weak demand, exchange-rate fluctuations and rising costs, said exhibitors at the Canton Fair that opened on Tuesday.

Shenzhen-based Yekalon Industry Inc, an exporter of home decoration goods to more than 200 clients, saw sales rise 20 percent in the first quarter, Vice-President Wang Lili said. That goes against China's national trade figures last week that showed imports and exports declining.