Chinese tech pioneers, says CTA study

Mainland Chinese consumers lead the Asia Pacific region when it comes to adopting new technologies and buying hi-tech products online, according to the Consumer Technology Association (CTA).
“Given the country’s robust online marketplace and enthusiasm for technology, it’s no surprise,” says CTA president/chief executive Gary Shapiro.
According to the association’s Asia-Pacific Consumer Tech Ownership and Opportunity Study, China has the highest percentage of self-reported early tech adopters, with 59 per cent indicating they buy a new tech device as soon as, or shortly after, it is available.
Behind China are Malaysia and Indonesia at 49 per cent each, followed by Vietnam (40 per cent) and the Philippines (32 per cent).
When considering a tech purchase, 62 per cent of Chinese consumers are more likely to shop online, says the study. That is in contrast to Indonesia at 38 per cent, Malaysia (33 per cent), Vietnam (29 per cent) and the Philippines (24 per cent).
Smartphones are the most-owned tech device among online consumers in China, followed by desktop computers, laptop computers, digital cameras and headphones.
Many major Chinese smartphone brands, including OnePlus, Oppo and Xiaomi, have internet retail strategies that include launching new devices online and making certain models available only online, says the report.
“Chinese technology companies and consumers play a key role in the global economy,” says CTA senior director of market research Steve Koenig.
Formerly known as the Consumer Electronics Association, CTA and Intex Shanghai co-produced this year’s edition of the consumer electronics trade show CES Asia, over three days last week in Shanghai.

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