Mainland China door exports are expected to top US$2 billion in 2007 - up from US$1.3 billion in 2006, according to Global Sources' China Sourcing Report: Doors 2007.

"As overseas demand grows, many suppliers are moving away from the fiercely competitive domestic market," said publisher of the Global Sources report, Spenser Au.

"To enter overseas markets, manufacturers are producing doors from 'greener' alternatives than solid wood including engineered wood and painted metal. However, due to strict requirements of the US and EU markets, manufacturers are focusing primarily on markets with lower barriers to entry."

Among surveyed door manufacturers' top target markets for the next 12 months:

- 39 percent are targeting Russia and other non-EU European countries;
- 21 percent are focusing on the US;
- 16 percent are targeting the Middle East/Africa region; and
- 11 percent are focusing on the EU.

75 percent of Manufacturers Plan to Increase Capacity to Meet Growing Demand

Seventy-five percent of respondents plan to increase production capacity in the next 12 months. Of these, more than 60 percent expect to establish additional factories or move to larger factories.

Among surveyed mainland China door manufacturers:

- 47 percent project exports will grow 10 percent or more;
- 32 percent expect growth of up to 10 percent; and
- 21 percent say exports are expected to remain the same.