Production hubs

Fujian, Zhejiang, Guangdong and Jiangxi provinces are the major sourcing centers of sunglasses in mainland China.

Xiamen in Fujian accounts for 50 percent of overall exports for the line. Dubbed as the Sunglasses Production Hub by the National Light Industry Council, and Optometric and Optical Association , the city ships mostly midrange and high-end models.

The area hosts more than 20 suppliers and exporters, 90 percent of which are Taiwan-invested as the two locations have long-standing relations. It boasts mature auxiliary industries as well, including those for electroplating and lenses.

Most Xiamen makers were unaffected by the gloomy economic situation. Many of those with an established presence within China increased domestic sales by 30 percent to manage turnover.

Additionally, the focus on midrange and high-end models since 2007 helped maintain reasonable profit margins despite fewer items per transaction.

Wenzhou in Zhejiang, on the other hand, emphasizes low-end and midrange releases.

The city is currently developing an electroplating industry, but most suppliers still prefer to subcontract the step. Midrange models are often processed in Guangdong, which is known for high quality.

Companies in Shenzhen continue to focus on midrange and high-end fashion sunglasses. More than 70 percent of large makers are Hong Kong-invested.

The area is expected to start construction on a new industrial development zone in 2010. It will accommodate production, sales and R&D centers.

Approximately 40 companies from Wenzhou, Shanghai and Taiwan have invested in Jiangxi to leverage favorable policies, and lower rent, power and labor costs.

Although Jiangxi is a relatively new hub, efforts are underway to create a 1.5sqkm eyewear industrial zone, incorporating R&D, assembly, electroplating, trade and logistics.