The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) successfully concluded seven flagship lifestyle and licensing events, drawing over 95,000 buyers from 134 countries and regions for sourcing and business negotiations. The fairs, including the Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair, Home InStyle, Fashion InStyle, the Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair, DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong, the Hong Kong International Licensing Show (HKILS), and the Asian Licensing Conference (ALC), underscored Hong Kong's international trade strength and opened new markets for global businesses.
Non-local buyers primarily came from Chinese Mainland, Taiwan, and Japan, with significant growth from the Philippines, Canada, and Türkiye. Jenny Koo, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director, stated: “In alignment with the national 15th Five-Year Plan, Hong Kong will continue to actively develop its role as a regional intellectual property trading hub. The seven flagship events fully showcased Hong Kong's distinctive strengths in lifestyle, cultural and creative design, brand development, and intellectual property.”
A survey of 1,541 exhibitors and buyers revealed that nearly half (49.0%) expected overall sales to rise in the next one to two years. Respondents identified fluctuations in the global economy (47.8%) and geopolitical tensions (37.2%) as key challenges. Promising sales prospects were seen in ASEAN countries (69.0%), Taiwan (67.9%), and India (66.7%). In the gifts market, cultural gifts (19.7%) and sustainable gifts (18.6%) showed strong growth potential, while designer furniture (27.3%) and smart home technology (23.0%) led in home products.
Cross-sector opportunities were highlighted, with Semk Holdings International Limited, a character IP licensing firm, connecting with buyers from Mexico, Canada, Europe, and Southeast Asia. The UAE made its debut at the Gifts & Premium Fair; Alpha Art's Founder Mohanmed Alayat reported connecting with around 40 new clients and anticipating orders totaling US$1 million. The fair also sealed three MOUs with the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Shanxi Provincial Committee, Fujian Sub-Council, and Busan Economic Promotion Agency to deepen trade ties.
Fashion InStyle featured the NEXT zone with over 60 new material exhibitors. Textile Library from Hangzhou, returning after a successful 2025 edition, brought self-developed epoch-poly fabrics, drawing strong interest. New exhibitor New High Limited connected with 50 potential buyers, including from Dubai and North Africa, expecting orders of about US$100,000. Kolon Industries FnC from Korea and Brazilian brand Amaro also found suppliers and materials, with Amaro expecting an initial order of US$100,000.
Home InStyle introduced innovative materials, such as Lotux International's biodegradable cutlery and deodorising cat litter made from lotus stems. The fair also debuted gerontechnology products, with allcareAI Limited's infection-prevention mobile toilet receiving over 20 enquiries. TFE Holdings Limited's concrete coffee machine attracted over 20 potential buyers.
The Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair and DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong attracted buyers like Hot Packaging LLC from the Middle East, sourcing eco-friendly packaging. W.H.Y. Brand Consultancy connected with printers and design firms, expecting around US$400,000 in business. Canadian buyer Umbra Ltd identified 20 potential suppliers, while Mexico's Promo Life planned to spend US$200,000 on keychains from a Hong Kong exhibitor.
At the HKILS, Postgal Workshop reached a licensing agreement with Malaysia's M&M Creations worth over US$200,000. Maura Regan, President and CEO of Licensing International, stated: “We remain convinced that we'll see significant growth across property types. The licensing industry is not slowing down.”
