Six government departments, including the Ministry of Commerce, unveiled on 27 January a policy regarding home renovations, and kitchen and bathroom makeovers, and pledged to support local governments in delivering it. The policy will focus on green development, smart applications and elderly-friendly transformation. Individuals will be given support in undertaking renovations to old buildings, and partial improvements to kitchens and bathrooms. Subsidies will mainly be given towards five major categories of products: furnishing materials; sanitaryware; furniture and lighting; home automation; and elderly-friendly transformation materials. Subsidies may amount to 30% of the actual sales value. The principle of territoriality will be implemented and online and offline business entities will be given the same treatment in the granting of subsidies. Business entities operating under different ownership systems, in different places of registration, and on different scales, will all have an opportunity to participate in the programme.

The future of the lighting market is characterised by optimism, though uncertainty in the global economy, fluctuating exchange rates, and the impact of inflation and protectionism could temper overall growth in 2025, according to the latest HKTDC survey. Some 710 exhibitors and buyers at the autumn edition of the 2024 HKTDC Hong Kong International Lighting Fair and the Hong Kong International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo took part in the survey in October, with respondents generally optimistic about market prospects.

Canadian authorities have adopted more stringent requirements for certain mercury-containing products in an effort to meet the requirements of the Minamata Convention and in some cases go beyond those requirements.

The lighting industry is currently characterized by a widespread sentiment of positivity and hopefulness, according to an HKTDC on-site questionnaire survey of the 507 exhibitors and buyers at the inaugural Smart Lighting Expo and the Spring Edition of the 2024 Hong Kong International Lighting Fair. Most of the traders and industry participants who were surveyed expressed confidence in the market prospects.