Urinals

	The model E-4052 wall-mount washdown toilet from Kaies features a soft-close cover.

The latest designs come with 6L or below flush volume. Add-ons include dryers, self-warming seats and remote control operation.

China suppliers of toilets, bidets and urinals are expanding their design selections as export projections for the latter half of 2009 turn promising. The optimism is fueled largely by signs that the global economy has reached its bottom. Earlier this year, the financial crisis prompted North America and Europe to cut back on orders by 30 and 40 percent. Each region absorbs about 30 percent of China's total shipments.

Poor sales in these markets also forced 40 percent of China's roughly 1,000 makers to close shop and another 40 percent to reduce exports by more than half. The remaining companies said demand is picking up, with many already anticipating 10 percent growth in outbound revenue in the next 12 months.

To facilitate overseas sales, the majority of China manufacturers mainly offer models with 3 to 6L flushing capacity. This is in response to the increasing demand for products that conserve water more effectively. The EU, in fact, only accepts toilets with a flush volume of 6L or less.

Some large enterprises are also developing designs with better water-saving features. Such products, including Foshan Xinyue Ceramics Co. Ltd's 3.8L model, however, end up in the domestic market as most suppliers are still gauging international marketability.

Intelligent designs are steadily becoming popular and now account for about 10 percent of China's output. These feature add-ons that increase user convenience.

Intended for cold climates, some come with toilet seats that automatically warm up. Other variants allow users to adjust the water's temperature to their preferred setting.

To save toilet paper, dryers are sometimes integrated into the design. Remote control operation and automatic functions make them easier to use.

Some high-end end toilets, bidets and urinals have anti-bacterial properties and corrosion-resistant finishing. The former is achieved by adding an antiseptic solution of silver, zinc and copper to the glaze.

Certain advanced technologies are also adopted in the manufacturing line to eliminate bacteria at the cellular level. Complex and costly, this solution is limited to a few large makers.

China suppliers expect prices to remain stable in the next few months after falling 10 to 15 percent in 2H08. The reductions are a result of the 10 to 20 percent drop in the average cost of materials that make up ceramic, including kaolin, sandstone and sodium sand.

Ranging from $30 to more than $80 in price, floor-mount close-coupled and one-piece types are the mainstream in the toilets line. Wall-mount and squat designs are also available. Most products that utilize single-flush fixtures come with 6L tanks, while dual-flush models have a 3L option.

Urinals, meanwhile, are China's second-biggest export category after toilets. Priced at $15 to $50, wall-hung units with a wall- or floor-mount outlet make up the greater part of shipments.

Models are equipped with a flapper or siphon flush valve and use 1 to 4L water. Some midrange and high-end designs adopt a more hygienic delay valve that prevents water leakage.

Going for $20 to $60, bidets come in an array of basin and horizontal- or vertical-spray styles. They are usually constructed with two or three holes for other fittings. An extra faucet adds 5 to 10 percent to the base price. For this line, large and midsize manufacturers generally follow UPC and cUPC guidelines.

Most of China's 600 toilet, bidet and urinal suppliers have direct export capability, although some ship their products through trading companies.

Small and midsize privately owned operations make up more than 90 percent of the industry.

Fewer than 100 are foreign-invested or joint ventures with ties to multinational corporations such as American Standard, Toto and Roca. Their annual capacity exceeds 2 million pieces. Each has more than 20 specialists for R&D and QC.

Midsize enterprises can roll out 500,000 to 2 million pieces every year. They hire eight to 20 technicians to work on product development and quality inspection.

Small suppliers with a yearly capacity of fewer than 500,000 pieces have five to eight personnel who specialize in R&D and QC.

Guangdong and Hebei are China's two biggest production centers for the line. Together, these provinces contribute about 80 percent to the country's total overseas shipments.

The cities of Foshan and Chaozhou in Guangdong boast an abundant supply of natural resources and a complete manufacturing chain. Arrow and Anwa are among the well-known companies that operate there.

Foshan's products are aimed mainly at the upscale segment, while Chaozhou's selection targets the low end and midrange.

Hebei's Tangshan is another important hub thanks to its long experience in producing toilets, bidets and urinals. The city is home to several large suppliers, including Huida. The bulk of Hebei's output is exported to midrange and high-end segments.