China ANTA says Q3 2011 order book value up 20 pct

China's ANTA Sports Products Ltd said it recorded 20 percent growth in order book value for the third quarter of 2011, suggesting optimism among distributors over sportswear industry prospects in the mainland.

The average selling price for its footwear and garments recorded double-digit growth from a year earlier at its trade fair held in January, indicating increased market recognition, the homegrown brand said in a statement late on Monday.

Last November, ANTA recorded order book value growth of more than 21 percent for the second quarter of 2011, with the average selling price of sports shoes and apparel posting high single-digit growth.

Shares of ANTA fell 2.1 percent early Tuesday morning, against a 1.7 percent drop in the benchmark Hang Seng Index.

ANTA, which competes with Li Ning Co Ltd, China Dongxiang Group Co Ltd and Xtep International Holdings Ltd, recorded on Monday a 24 percent rise in 2010 profit, slightly above the street view.

(US$1=HK$7.78)