The export growth of mechanical and electrical products is expected to slow down in the first half of 2009, because of dwindling demand from major overseas markets troubled by the economic recession, a survey by the Ministry of Commerce showed.

The export of mechanical and electrical products, amounting to US$823 billion in 2008, up 17 percent from 2007, account for over half of China's total exports.

The survey showed that the impact of financial crisis on the mechanical and electrical manufacturing industry has spread from the coastal regions to the inland cities, and from small- to medium-sized companies to large enterprises. Export growth is expected to slow down sharply in 2009, and the export of some products may even decline, the survey says.

Findings of the survey also showed that manufacturers with established international sales network for their own branded products have fared better than those without.

(China Daily February 5, 2009)