Safety and Security Equipment

Overview

Fire & Security Products Market in Hong Kong

	2010	2011	2012 (estimated)	2013 (estimated)
Total Market Size	1,173,899	1,273,685	1,337,700	1,377,250
Total Local Production	1,942	3,894	4,000	4,250
Total Exports	4,640,675	4,889,924	5,134,000	5,288,000
Total Imports	5,812,632	6,159,715	6,467,700	6,661,000
Imports from the U.S.	794,217	867,816	954,500	1,030,000
Exchange Rate: 1 USD	7.8	7.8	7.8	7.8

Security Products Market in Hong Kong

	2010	2011	2012 (estimated)	2013 (estimated)
Total Market Size	1,168,649	1,268,764	1,604,300	1,804,500
Total Local Production	1,942	3,894	4,300	4,500
Total Exports	4,639,821	4,887,778	5,100,000	5,300,000
Total Imports	5,806,528	6,152,648	6,700,000	7,100,000
Imports from the U.S.	591,141	642,305	706,000	777,100
Exchange Rate: 1 USD	7.8	7.8	7.8	7.8

Notes:

1. Unit: USD thousands.
2. Total Market Size = (Total Local Production + Total Imports) – (Total Exports)
3. Data Sources:

Hong Kong is one of the safest regions in the world, with a low crime rate and strong social order. Being a regional transportation and logistics hub, Hong Kong spends heavily on security systems in its airport and freight-cargo facilities. Other major areas of substantial security equipment outlays include the commercial and financial sectors. Home security systems are becoming increasingly popular as well.

Hong Kong is a growing market for safety and security equipment and services. In general, the Hong Kong market leans towards more sophisticated, high-tech products, an area in which U.S. firms are strong. Japan, Israel, the United States and the European Union are major suppliers for high-tech products, whereas China and Taiwan are market leaders in the lower-end technology safety and security market.

In neighboring Macau, major security companies continue supplying sizeable integrated security systems and products such as advanced biometric identification systems for international hotels and casino facilities. U.S. sophisticated security system suppliers may consider partnering with Hong Kong security companies to explore the market in Macau.

U.S. exporters should be aware that security products may be subject to U.S. export control regulations and should accordingly pursue Hong Kong, Macau and China projects only after determining compliance requirements. In particular, exports to China of items determined to be “crime controlled” may be statutorily prohibited.

Sub-Sector Best Prospects

Alarms and access controls
Biometrics
Chemical detection systems
Detention equipment
Identification devices
Radio frequency wireless technologies
Rescue equipment
Wireless surveillance equipment
X-ray scanners

Opportunities

Hong Kong has been a sourcing point for China in terms of security equipment. In 2011, China absorbed approximately 46 percent of Hong Kong’s total security product re-exports. US companies should use Hong Kong as a base for outreaching final customers in China.

Macau is an outstanding long-term niche market. U.S. companies wishing to enter the Macau market may consider partnering with related Hong Kong companies that are actively pursuing opportunities in Macau.

Web Resources

Trade Shows:

Asian Securitex 2012 - Asian International Security, Safety & Fire Protection Show & Conference
Dates: June 6-8, 2012
Location: Hong Kong
Website: www.asiansecuritex.com

Trade Associations:

Asian Professional Security Association
Website: www.apsahk.org

International Professional Security Association (Hong Kong) Ltd.
Website: www.ipsa.com.hk

Security Bureau – Security and Guarding Services Industry Association
www.sb.gov.hk/eng/links/sgsia/index.htm

U.S. Commercial Service Hong Kong
Contact: Ms. Kimmy Lee, Commercial Specialist
Tel: (852) 2521-1467
Fax: (852) 2845-9800
Email: kimmy.lee@trade.gov