Further to the first part of the International Buyer Sourcing Behaviour Survey 2025, we will look into the Key Product Categories and Sourcing Trends one by one in this article.
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International Buyer Sourcing Behaviour Survey 2025: Strategic Sourcing in Uncertain Times
Key Product Category and Sourcing Trends: Electronics and Sustainability
As Asia strengthens its position as a leading sourcing hub across diverse product categories, buyers are placing greater emphasis on two critical factors: technological innovation and sustainability. The demand for smart, connected products is rising as businesses seek to leverage advancements in AI, IoT, and automation to meet rising consumer expectations. At the same time, sustainability has become a key priority, with buyers increasingly looking for eco-friendly materials, ethical production practices, and compliance with global ESG standards. These twin forces are reshaping sourcing strategies, driving a shift towards smarter, greener solutions.
We Live in a Technological Age
Nearly 40% of surveyed buyers identified electronics as their top sourcing priority, further cementing Asia’s status as the global hub for technology sourcing. At the same time, the strong demand for Gifts & Premium and Toys & Games underscores the region’s ability to blend cultural appeal with the stringent environmental and safety standards required by global markets. This dual advantage highlights the region’s unique ability in offering innovative, high-quality products that align with both consumer preferences and stringent regulatory requirements.
Electronics: The Asian Advantage Remains
Asia’s vast population, widespread adoption of smart devices, and strong manufacturing capabilities position Electronic and Electrical Accessories as the most promising product category. This growth is further driven by the surge in demand for personalised accessories, as consumers seek products that reflect their individual style, opening new opportunities for niche and customised offerings.
Meanwhile, the rising demand for Audio-Visual products is largely fuelled by the sustained shift towards remote and hybrid work models based on seamless communication and collaboration, while eco-friendly products are also rising in importance.
Gifts & Premium: Reflecting Larger Trends
Gifts & Premium sourced from Asia increasingly reflect the growing influence of innovation, technology, and ESG considerations. Manufacturers are integrating smart features into traditional Gifts & Premium items, offering products that cater to the rising demand for connectivity and convenience, from tech-enabled corporate giveaways to eco-friendly packaging solutions. Meanwhile, Asia’s robust manufacturing ecosystem allows for scalable production of personalised, high-tech Gifts & Premium products that meet stringent environmental and social standards set by global markets.
Toys: Where Tech meets Education
The tech revolution is also driving demand for toys[1] as manufacturers leverage cutting-edge technologies such as AI and IoT to create interactive, educational, and personalised play experiences, from smart toys that adapt to children’s learning patterns to connected devices that enhance engagement through augmented reality. In addition to technological advancements, sustainability is also playing a crucial role, with manufacturers incorporating eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient components.
[1] https://www.marketresearchintellect.com/blog/toy-market-transformation-the-rise-of-smart-toys-powered-by-electronics-and-semiconductors/
Home Products: Sustainable Connectivity Matters
Asia remains a key sourcing hub for a wide range of home products, with a strong emphasis on eco-friendly solutions, smart home appliances, and beauty and personal care items. The region’s manufacturers are responding to the increasing global demand for sustainable products by incorporating energy-efficient technologies, biodegradable materials, and environmentally responsible production processes. In the home appliances sector, smart innovations such as IoT-enabled devices and AI-powered systems are enhancing energy management and convenience. Meanwhile, the beauty and personal care is prioritising natural ingredients and sustainable packaging, reflecting consumer emphasis on health and wellness.
Lighting Products: The Power of Smart LED
Electronics-driven features, such as LED technology and Wi-Fi-enabled smart lighting, dominate the lighting products category, underscoring the growing influence of interconnectivity across all aspects of everyday life. Residential lighting solutions follow closely behind, reflecting the rising demand for smart home integration.
Jewellery: Between Luxury and Trendiness
Demand in this category is highly diverse, with antique jewellery drawing the most interest, followed closely by trendy and designer pieces. Precious jewellery is also experiencing strong demand, reflecting a broad spectrum of consumer preferences that blend tradition with contemporary styles.
Stationery: The Art of the Gift
In the stationery category, gift items lead in demand, followed by office supplies and products for creative arts, reflecting a diverse range of consumer needs from practical use to artistic expression.
Fashion: Accessorise for Style
While demand for accessories surges, consumers are also turning to functional apparel. Smart fabrics, wearable tech, and adaptive clothing are transforming everyday wear, while sustainability remains a key focus, with recycled materials and biodegradable fabrics gaining traction. Health-driven features – like compression wear and thermoregulation – as well as customizable designs are also shaping industry trends[1].
[1] https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/exploring-functional-apparel-industry-key-trends-tsp3c/
F&B: Sustainable Innovation
The F&B category is shaped by two dominant trends: a strong preference for innovative food technology and global flavours, alongside a growing demand for eco-friendly packaging and locally sourced products.
Baby Products: Health & Safety First
While toys lead the category, parents are increasingly seeking health and safety products, along with feeding essentials, reflecting a growing focus on child well-being and convenience.
Medical & Healthcare: Longevity is Key
Demand for health and fitness-related products dominates the category, with strong interest also observed in supplements, biotech innovations, and rehabilitation and elderly care solutions, reflecting a growing emphasis on overall well-being and longevity.
Watches & Clock: Luxury + Technology
Smart features and advanced technology dominate the category as consumers increasingly prioritise connectivity and functionality. Meanwhile, demand for fashion and luxury watches remains strong, driven by a continued appreciation for style and craftsmanship.
Optical: Basic Products Work
Demand in this category is primarily driven by staple products, including eyewear, eyewear machinery, and contact lenses, reflecting consistent consumer needs and industry standards.
Wine & Spirits: Going Local and Sustainable
A growing focus on sustainability is fuelling the demand for organic wines, including those from Asian vintages, which is expected to grow to more than US$12 billion by 2030[1] as more consumers opt for vegan diets and chemical-free options. At the same time, premium wines and locally produced craft beers are gaining popularity, with craft beer in particular benefiting from its emphasis on small-batch production and sustainable brewing practices.
[1] https://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/5649233/organic-wine-market-forecasts-from-2025-to-2030?
Sourcing in the Age of AI and Sustainability
As the global economy continues to realign, a number of trends are becoming apparent. Online sourcing platforms, once a stopgap measure, have become integral to modern supply chains, replacing traditional procurement with an AI-driven, data-centric ecosystem that emphasises efficiency, agility, and customisation.
Consumer behaviour is evolving just as rapidly. Demand for smart technology and seamless connectivity is reshaping purchasing decisions, as buyers prioritise products that fit seamlessly into their increasingly digital lives. At the same time, a shift toward sustainability and ESG principles is driving a fundamental reorientation. Consumers are no longer content with superficial commitments—they expect goods and services to reflect their values.
These shifts carry profound implications for supply chains, underscoring both China’s enduring strength as a sourcing spot and ASEAN’s growing manufacturing emergence —further solidifying Asia as a leading global production hub. Geopolitical tensions and the ongoing push for resilient, agile supply networks are forcing companies to rethink their sourcing strategies. In an increasingly unpredictable world, diversification is no longer optional—it’s a necessity.
Remarks: Survey and charts source – International Buyer Sourcing Behaviour Survey 2024-25
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