MORE than 1,400 top-rated toy suppliers and brand owners will showcase a diverse array of toys, games, and concepts to buyers and visitors during this year’s Toy & Hobby China, Baby & Stroller China, and Licensing China. Collectively known as the Shenzhen Toy Expo, this extravaganza will take place at the Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center in Bao’an District from April 7 to 9.

This year’s fair will introduce a special zone for designer toys — collectible toys created by artists or designers that often have unique designs, limited production runs, and high artistic value. This special area will feature various trendy and collectible toys targeting consumers aged 14 and above, including blind boxes, garage kits figures, ball-jointed dolls, cotton dolls, and more.

The zone will also showcase products that have expanded beyond traditional children’s toys into a trendier realm, such as building blocks, plush toys, alloy car models, and remote control vehicles.

China is a major traditional toy-manufacturing country, producing approximately 70% of the world’s toys. According to official data, China’s toy exports reached US$39.87 billion last year. Guangdong Province is the largest toy production and export area in China, with toy exports amounting to US$14.811 billion in 2024.

Since the second half of last year, AI toys have gained significant momentum.

Data show that the global market size for AI toys reached US$18.1 billion in 2024. It is projected that by 2033, the global market size in this field will grow to US$60 billion, with the Asian market taking a dominant position.

Designer toys have also become an important part of the toy market. According to relevant data, as of February this year, there had been over 49,000 enterprises related to the designer toy sector in China, of which more than 13,000 were newly registered since 2024. It is projected that retail sales will reach 110.1 billion yuan (US$15 billion) by 2026.

(Mu Zi)