Imports of digital cameras have risen markedly since China canceled quotas on imported cameras in early 2003.

Beijing imported 174,000 digital cameras last year, 480 percent more than the previous year. The value of imported cameras totaled 30.84 million US dollars, up 2,230 percent, local customs statistics show.

Medium and low price digital cameras made up most of the imports with the unit price averaging 178 US dollars. An analysis by Beijing Customs showed foreign sellers would continue to lower retail prices to compete with domestic brands.

Over half of the digital cameras were purchased by private enterprises.

Imports from Japan, Malaysia and Hong Kong made up 74 percent of all digital cameras Beijing imported last year.

Experts predicted imports of medium and low-price digital cameras would have a larger market share in 2004, posing a threat to domestic brands.
 
(Xinhua News Agency  February 20, 2004)