Export demand lifts Delta firms' prospects

Increased demand from overseas markets helped revive trade prospects for small and medium-sized exporters in the Pearl River Delta region during July, a new industry report said on Friday.

The trade climate index, which reflects exporters' confidence in trade, stood at 98.88 in July due to increased labor and production costs and fluctuation of exchange rates. But a rising number of exporters said overseas orders have rebounded thanks to increased demand for Christmas-related products, according to a report released by Shenzhen Onetouch Business Service Co, a subsidiary of Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.

The report was based on a survey of 500 small and medium-sized companies in the delta region.