According to the organizer of the Children, Baby and Maternity Expo, the rate of car seat use in China was only one percent in 2014, while in some developed countries the rate was over 90 percent. （File photo)
(ECNS) - China is one of the largest manufacturers of child safety seats, yet 95 percent of the seats produced here are exported. Only five percent, around 500,000 seats, are sold in domestic markets.
According to the organizer of the Children, Baby and Maternity Expo, the rate of car seat use in China was only one percent in 2014, while in some developed countries the rate was over 90 percent.
China has the world's largest population of drivers and ranks No. 2 in terms of car ownership globally. Shanghai, Shenzhen and Shandong Province have developed regulations stipulating that children under the age of four must be restrained in car seats, and more local governments are likely to follow suit.
The Chinese Automotive Technology & Research Centre estimates that once the compulsory regulation comes into effect nationwide, demand for car seats will increase by 12 to 15 million per year, bringing the nation's need for car seat production to 25 million annually. Industry insiders predict that a battle for this market is imminent.
