Economic Uncertainty Drubs Ad Spending In Hong Kong

Advertising spending in Hong Kong rose 9 percent to HK$19.9 billion in the first half of 2013 from HK$18.2 billion in the previous year, according to media monitoring company admanGo. Data also showed ad spending declined to HK$3.4 billion in June from HK$3.6 billion in May. In contrast, ad spending rose 13 percent during the first half of 2012, driven by promotions aimed at mainland shoppers and marketing campaigns related to the London Olympics. Marketers expect only a modest increase in ad spending in 2013, according to a survey published in February 2013 by the  Hong Kong Advertising Association and market research firm Nielsen, with a slowing down economy causing pessimism overall in the market.