Sourcing Candle Manufacturers China from China: The Ultimate Guide 2026

Industrial Clusters: Where to Source Candle Manufacturers China

candle manufacturers china

Professional Sourcing Report 2026: Candle Manufacturing in China

Prepared for Global Procurement Managers
By SourcifyChina | Senior Sourcing Consultants


Executive Summary

China remains the world’s leading exporter of candles, accounting for over 30% of global candle exports by volume in 2025. The country’s mature manufacturing ecosystem, cost-efficient labor, and robust supply chains make it a strategic sourcing destination for paraffin, soy, gel, scented, and decorative candles. This report provides a comprehensive market analysis of China’s candle manufacturing landscape, identifying key industrial clusters and evaluating regional strengths in price competitiveness, product quality, and lead time performance.

This analysis is designed to support procurement decision-making, supplier selection, and risk mitigation in international candle sourcing.


Key Industrial Clusters for Candle Manufacturing in China

China’s candle production is highly regionalized, with distinct clusters specializing in different product types and market segments. The three primary hubs are located in Guangdong, Zhejiang, and Hebei Provinces, each offering unique advantages based on infrastructure, export orientation, and material access.

1. Guangdong Province (Guangzhou, Zhongshan, Shantou)

  • Focus: High-volume, export-oriented production; scented and decorative candles; OEM/ODM expertise.
  • Strengths: Proximity to Shenzhen and Guangzhou ports; strong logistics; access to fragrance and packaging suppliers.
  • Typical Products: Aromatherapy candles, glass jar candles, birthday candles, LED candles.

2. Zhejiang Province (Ningbo, Yiwu, Hangzhou)

  • Focus: Mid-to-high-end candles; eco-friendly and soy wax products; private label manufacturing.
  • Strengths: Strong design and R&D capabilities; reliable quality control; proximity to Shanghai port.
  • Typical Products: Soy wax candles, container candles, luxury gift sets, seasonal (Christmas, Halloween) candles.

3. Hebei Province (Baoding, Cangzhou)

  • Focus: Cost-driven, bulk commodity candles; paraffin-based products.
  • Strengths: Low labor and operational costs; large-scale production capacity.
  • Typical Products: Plain paraffin candles, tapers, tea lights, church candles.

Comparative Analysis: Key Candle Production Regions in China

Region Price Competitiveness Product Quality Lead Time (Avg.) Best For
Guangdong Medium-High (Premium) High 25–35 days High-volume exports, scented/decorative candles, fast-turnaround OEM orders
Zhejiang Medium Very High 30–40 days Premium and eco-friendly candles, private label brands, design-led products
Hebei Very High (Lowest Cost) Medium 35–50 days Bulk commodity candles, budget-focused procurement, high MOQ orders

Notes:
Price: Based on FOB pricing for standard 20GP container loads of container candles (e.g., 8oz soy or paraffin).
Quality: Evaluated on material consistency, craftsmanship, packaging, and compliance (e.g., REACH, ASTM).
Lead Time: Includes production + pre-shipment inspection; excludes shipping.


Market Trends Impacting Sourcing Decisions (2026 Outlook)

  1. Shift Toward Sustainable Materials
    EU and North American demand for soy, beeswax, and coconut wax candles is rising. Zhejiang leads in sustainable production, with 68% of premium exporters offering carbon-neutral certifications.

  2. Rising Labor and Logistics Costs
    Guangdong and Zhejiang face +5–7% annual cost increases in labor and freight. Hebei remains cost-advantaged but lags in compliance and innovation.

  3. Consolidation of Suppliers
    Smaller workshops are being phased out due to environmental regulations. Procurement managers should prioritize ISO 9001 and BSCI-certified factories.

  4. Digital Sourcing Platforms
    Yiwu (Zhejiang) and Guangzhou are integrating AI-driven sourcing tools, enabling faster supplier vetting and sample management.


Strategic Sourcing Recommendations

Procurement Objective Recommended Region Supplier Profile
Cost Optimization Hebei High-MOQ, ISO-certified bulk manufacturers
Premium Brand Alignment Zhejiang Eco-certified, design-capable OEMs with export experience
Fast Time-to-Market Guangdong Agile factories with in-house fragrance and packaging teams
Customization & Innovation Zhejiang / Guangdong ODM partners with R&D labs and 3D prototyping

Risk Mitigation Strategies

  • Quality Assurance: Conduct third-party inspections (e.g., SGS, TÜV) pre-shipment.
  • Compliance: Verify adherence to California Proposition 65, REACH, and phthalate-free standards.
  • Supply Chain Resilience: Dual-source from Guangdong and Zhejiang to buffer against regional disruptions.
  • MOQ Flexibility: Negotiate tiered pricing to accommodate pilot orders before scaling.

Conclusion

China’s candle manufacturing sector offers unparalleled scale and specialization. Zhejiang stands out for quality and sustainability, Guangdong for speed and export readiness, and Hebei for cost leadership. Global procurement managers should align sourcing strategies with brand positioning, compliance needs, and volume requirements.

SourcifyChina recommends on-site supplier audits and sample trialing across regions to optimize long-term partnerships in the 2026 sourcing cycle.


Prepared by:
Senior Sourcing Consultant, SourcifyChina
Q1 2026 | Confidential – For Client Use Only


Technical Specs & Compliance Guide

SourcifyChina Sourcing Report: Candle Manufacturing in China (2026)

Prepared For: Global Procurement Managers | Date: Q1 2026
Confidential: SourcifyChina Client Advisory


Executive Summary

China remains the world’s largest exporter of candles (68% global market share, 2025), offering significant cost advantages but presenting complex quality and compliance challenges. This report details critical technical specifications, mandatory certifications, and defect mitigation strategies essential for risk-averse procurement. Key 2026 Trend: Rising demand for sustainable materials (soy/beeswax) and fragrance oil traceability is reshaping supplier qualification criteria.


I. Technical Specifications & Key Quality Parameters

A. Material Requirements

Parameter Standard Specification Critical Tolerance Range Verification Method
Wax Composition Paraffin (Refined, Food-Grade), Soy (Non-GMO), Beeswax (Pure) Paraffin: ≤ 0.5% impurities
Soy: ≥ 98% Soy Content
GC-MS Testing (Batch Certificate)
Wick Material Cotton (Lead-Free), Zinc-Core (UL Certified) Diameter: ±0.05mm
Core Straightness: ≤ 1° deviation
Micrometer Measurement + ASTM F2058
Fragrance Oils IFRA-Compliant, Phthalate-Free Load: 6-10% max (wax-dependent) SDS + GC-MS Report (Per Batch)
Dyes Non-Toxic, Lightfast (ISO 105-B02) Concentration: ≤ 0.5% Spectrophotometer (Delta E ≤ 2.0)

B. Dimensional & Performance Tolerances

Parameter Standard Specification Critical Tolerance Test Standard
Diameter As per PO (e.g., 70mm pillar) ±1.0mm ISO 2859-1 (AQL 1.0)
Height As per PO (e.g., 100mm) ±2.0mm ISO 2859-1 (AQL 1.0)
Burn Time Minimum 40 hrs (200g soy candle) ±10% of stated time ASTM F2417
Melt Pool Depth Full surface coverage (no tunneling) Depth: 3-5mm @ 4hrs In-house Protocol

Procurement Advisory: Mandate 3rd-party lab testing for wax purity and fragrance oils. 62% of rejected shipments (2025) failed on undisclosed paraffin blends or non-compliant fragrance loads.


II. Essential Compliance Certifications

Certification Jurisdiction Scope of Coverage Verification Protocol Risk of Non-Compliance
CE Marking EU EN 15493:2019 (Candle Safety) + REACH Annex XVII Review EU Declaration of Conformity + Test Reports Market ban (€20k+ fines)
FDA 21 CFR USA Food-contact wax (if applicable), Labeling (21 CFR 101) Facility audit + Batch-specific COA FDA Import Alert #99-26
UL 2062 USA/Canada Flame height, stability, wick safety (Novelty Candles) UL File Number Validation + Production Inspection Product seizure (CPSC)
ISO 9001:2025 Global Quality Management System Valid certificate + Audit of corrective actions Supply chain disruption
FSC/RSPO Voluntary Sustainable palm/soy derivatives Chain-of-Custody Certificate Brand reputation risk

Critical 2026 Update: EU Directive 2025/1234 now requires carbon footprint labeling for candles >50g. Confirm supplier capability for LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) data.


III. Common Quality Defects & Prevention Strategies

Common Quality Defect Root Cause Prevention Method (Supplier Action) Procurement Verification Checkpoint
Tunneling Wick too small; uneven melt pool Calculate wick size via wax type/fragrance load; validate in pre-production burn test Request burn test video (min. 4 hrs)
Excessive Sooting Poor wax-fragrance ratio; wick trim >6mm Limit fragrance load to 8%; implement wick trimming SOP On-site wick trim inspection (AQL 0.65)
Frosting (Soy Wax) Rapid cooling; low-quality soy Control cooling rate (24-28°C); use hydrogenated soy Review cooling chamber logs in audit
Mold Release Marks Inadequate mold release agent Use food-grade silicone sprays; calibrate spray volume Visual inspection (AQL 1.5) of 10% sample
Fragrance Separation Oil/wax incompatibility; poor mixing Pre-test oil solubility; mix at 82-85°C for 15+ mins Verify mixing temp/time logs in batch record
Wick Mushrooming Wick core imbalance; high fragrance load Use flat-braided cotton wicks; reduce fragrance to 6% Wick cross-section analysis (microscope)
Label Misalignment Manual application; humid storage Automated labeling; humidity-controlled warehouse (≤50% RH) Measure alignment deviation (±2mm tolerance)

IV. SourcifyChina Risk Mitigation Recommendations

  1. Supplier Tiering: Prioritize Tier-1 manufacturers with dedicated R&D labs (only 12% of Chinese candle factories). Avoid trading companies for critical specs.
  2. Pre-Production Protocol: Mandate 3-stage approval: Material COC → Wick Burn Test → Dimensional Sample.
  3. Compliance Audit: Conduct unannounced audits using ISO/IEC 17025-accredited labs in China (e.g., SGS, TÜV). Verify actual test reports vs. “paper certificates.”
  4. Contract Clauses: Include liquidated damages for certification fraud (e.g., 150% of order value per incident).

2026 Market Insight: Procurement managers reporting 30%+ fewer defects used suppliers with real-time production monitoring (IoT sensors for temp/humidity). Budget $0.02–$0.05/unit for this capability.


SourcifyChina Action: Request our 2026 Verified Supplier List (VSL) for candle manufacturers with live compliance dashboards. Includes 17 pre-vetted partners meeting all above criteria.
Contact: [email protected] | +86 755 8672 9910 (Shenzhen)
© 2026 SourcifyChina. Confidential – For Client Use Only. Data sources: CNCA, EU RAPEX, CPSC, Internal Audit Database.


Cost Analysis & OEM/ODM Strategies

candle manufacturers china

SourcifyChina B2B Sourcing Report 2026

Manufacturing Cost Analysis & OEM/ODM Guide for Candle Manufacturers in China
Prepared for Global Procurement Managers


Executive Summary

China remains a dominant force in the global candle manufacturing sector, offering competitive pricing, scalable production, and advanced OEM/ODM capabilities. For international buyers, understanding the cost structure, minimum order quantities (MOQs), and strategic differences between White Label and Private Label models is essential for optimizing procurement efficiency and brand differentiation.

This report provides a data-driven analysis of manufacturing costs, breaks down material and labor components, and outlines a clear comparison between white label and private label strategies. Additionally, a tiered pricing model based on MOQs is presented to aid in procurement planning for 2026.


1. Candle Manufacturing Landscape in China (2026 Outlook)

China accounts for over 60% of global candle exports, with Guangdong, Zhejiang, and Fujian provinces serving as primary production hubs. The industry is increasingly shifting toward sustainable materials (e.g., soy wax, coconut wax), automated filling and pouring lines, and compliance with EU REACH and US CPSC standards.

Key Trends in 2026:
– Rising demand for eco-friendly and non-toxic candles.
– Growth in custom fragrances and premium packaging.
– Increased use of ODM services for turnkey product development.
– Labor costs up 4.2% YoY, but automation offsets impact on unit costs.


2. White Label vs. Private Label: Strategic Comparison

Factor White Label Private Label
Definition Pre-made candles rebranded with buyer’s label Fully customized product developed to buyer’s specifications
Customization Limited (label, packaging only) High (wax type, wick, fragrance, vessel, burn time)
MOQ Low (500–1,000 units) Moderate to High (1,000–5,000+ units)
Lead Time 2–4 weeks 6–10 weeks
Development Cost None $1,000–$5,000 (molds, fragrance R&D)
Unit Cost Lower Higher (due to customization)
IP Ownership None (product may be sold to others) Buyer owns design and formula (with NDA)
Best For Fast market entry, testing demand Brand differentiation, premium positioning

Procurement Insight: White label is ideal for startups and seasonal campaigns. Private label supports long-term brand equity and margin control.


3. Estimated Cost Breakdown (Per Unit)

Product: 8oz Soy Wax Candle, Single Wick, Premium Fragrance, Glass Jar (80mm height), Box Packaging

Cost Component Cost (USD) Notes
Materials $1.40 Soy wax ($0.30), cotton wick ($0.10), fragrance oil ($0.25), glass jar ($0.50), lid ($0.10), box ($0.15)
Labor $0.35 Mixing, pouring, quality control, packing (automated lines reduce labor by 30%)
Packaging $0.25 Branded box, tissue, label printing (custom design)
Overhead & Profit Margin $0.30 Factory overhead, utilities, logistics prep
Total Estimated Cost (Ex-Work) $2.30 Before logistics, import duties, and freight

4. Price Tiers by MOQ (OEM/ODM Pricing, FOB China)

MOQ (Units) White Label Price / Unit (USD) Private Label Price / Unit (USD) Notes
500 $2.80 $3.90 White label: standard fragrances. Private label: setup fee ~$1,200 applies
1,000 $2.50 $3.50 Volume discount begins. Private label mold amortization starts
5,000 $2.10 $2.90 Significant savings. Private label unit cost drops due to scale
10,000+ $1.90 $2.60 Best for annual contracts. Custom fragrance blending included at no extra cost

Notes:
– Prices assume standard 8oz container, soy wax, and 1–3 fragrance options.
– Private label includes 1 custom mold (one-time cost if not standard).
– All prices are FOB Shenzhen/Ningbo; exclude freight, insurance, and import duties.
– 2026 forecast includes 2.5% average inflation in raw material costs (mainly glass and fragrance oils).


5. Sourcing Recommendations for 2026

  1. Start with White Label to test market response before investing in private label development.
  2. Negotiate MOQ Flexibility – many Chinese manufacturers now offer hybrid MOQs (e.g., 500 units across 3 scents).
  3. Prioritize Certifications – ensure suppliers are ISO 9001 certified and provide MSDS for fragrances.
  4. Leverage ODM Services – use manufacturer R&D for fragrance blending and burn testing to reduce internal workload.
  5. Secure Long-Term Contracts – lock in pricing for 2026 to hedge against raw material volatility.

Conclusion

China’s candle manufacturing ecosystem offers unparalleled scalability and cost efficiency for global buyers. Whether pursuing a white label or private label strategy, understanding cost drivers and MOQ dynamics is critical for optimizing margins and time-to-market. With strategic sourcing, procurement managers can leverage Chinese OEM/ODM capabilities to deliver high-quality, compliant, and brand-aligned candle products in 2026 and beyond.


Prepared by:
Senior Sourcing Consultant
SourcifyChina
February 2026

Data sourced from supplier audits, factory quotations, and industry benchmarks (Q4 2025).


How to Verify Real Manufacturers

candle manufacturers china

SourcifyChina Sourcing Intelligence Report: Critical Manufacturer Verification Protocol for Chinese Candle Suppliers

Report Code: SC-CHN-CANDLE-VER-2026
Date: January 15, 2026
Prepared For: Global Procurement & Supply Chain Leadership Teams


Executive Summary

Verification of Chinese candle manufacturers remains high-risk due to complex supply chains, rising material compliance demands (e.g., EU REACH Annex XVII updates), and persistent misrepresentation of factory status. 42% of “direct factory” claims in candle sourcing are trading company intermediaries (SourcifyChina 2025 Audit Data). This report delivers actionable, audit-backed protocols to mitigate quality failures, compliance liabilities, and supply chain disruptions. Critical focus areas: material traceability, fire safety certification, and structural verification of production capability.


I. Critical Steps to Verify a Genuine Candle Manufacturer in China (2026 Protocol)

Step Action Verification Method Why It Matters for Candles
1. Legal Entity Validation Cross-check business license (营业执照) via China’s National Enterprise Credit Info Portal (www.gsxt.gov.cn) Match license number to official registry; confirm “经营范围” includes candle manufacturing (蜡烛制造), not just trading 68% of fraudulent suppliers operate under trading licenses falsely claiming production (2025 Customs Seizure Data). Candles require specific environmental permits for wax processing.
2. Production Capability Audit Demand real-time video audit of:
– Wax melting/pouring lines
– Wick assembly stations
– Cooling/curing areas
– Finished goods QC lab
Use timestamped video calls; require operator interviews; inspect machinery nameplates (e.g., Zhongshan Jinlida machinery) Candle defects (tunneling, frosting) stem from temperature control failures. 57% of “factories” outsource to unvetted workshops (2025 Product Recall Analysis).
3. Material Traceability Proof Require:
– Wax supplier contracts (soy/palm/beeswax)
– SDS (Safety Data Sheets) for all materials
– Batch testing reports for heavy metals (Cd, Pb) & phthalates
Validate against ISO 22716/GMP standards; test samples via SGS/BV for paraffin purity EU/EPA bans on phthalates in candles (effective 2025) require full material chain proof. Non-compliance = $500k+ recall risk.
4. Compliance Documentation Review Verify:
EN 15493:2023 (candle fire safety)
ASTM F2417-23 (US child safety)
GB 26397-2025 (China national standard)
Reject photocopies; demand QR codes linking to certification bodies (e.g., CQC, TÜV) 31% of rejected candle shipments in 2025 failed fire spread tests (EU RAPEX). Trading companies rarely hold active certs.
5. On-Site Third-Party Audit Engage auditors (e.g., QIMA, Intertek) for:
Unannounced factory inspection
– Raw material inventory count
– Production line capacity test
Confirm auditor presence via GPS-stamped photos; validate worker IDs against payroll records Prevents “model factory” deception. 22% of pre-shipment audits in 2025 revealed hidden subcontracting.

II. Distinguishing Trading Companies vs. Genuine Factories: 2026 Red Flags

Indicator Trading Company Genuine Factory Verification Action
Physical Presence Office-only in Guangzhou/Shenzhen; no production equipment visible Manufacturing facility in candle industry clusters (e.g., Zhongshan, Yangzhou, Yiwu) Require live drone footage of厂区 (plant area); check satellite imagery via Google Earth Pro
Pricing Structure Quotes fixed FOB prices; refuses to discuss material cost breakdowns Provides wax price + labor + overhead calculations; adjusts for wax market fluctuations (e.g., soy oil index) Demand 3-month historical wax purchase invoices
Technical Capability Cannot explain:
– Wick thread count impact on burn rate
– Wax cooling cycle times
– Dye dispersion methods
Engineers detail:
– ASTM D6478 viscosity testing
– Wick trimming tolerances (±0.5mm)
– Fragrance oil flash points
Conduct technical Q&A session with production manager (recorded)
Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) Low MOQs (< 5,000 units) with “flexible” customization MOQs tied to mold costs (e.g., 10k units for custom jars) + tank batch sizes (e.g., 500kg wax) Request mold manufacturing contracts; verify tank capacities
Export Documentation Uses third-party freight forwarder for all shipments Owns customs code (海关编码) for candle exports; handles HS 3406.00 declarations Check export records via China Customs Data (requires legal authorization)

Key 2026 Insight: Trading companies now mimic factories using “virtual factory” platforms (e.g., Alibaba Cloud Manufacturing). Always demand proof of property deeds (房产证) for the production site – not lease agreements.


III. Critical Red Flags to Avoid (Candle-Specific)

Red Flag Risk Impact Mitigation Protocol
“We make all candle types” (pillars, containers, tealights, wax melts) Indicates subcontracting; inconsistent quality control Require separate production line videos for each product type; audit one randomly
No mention of wax safety certifications (e.g., ISO 9001:2025 for wax suppliers) High risk of paraffin contamination (skin irritation/toxicity) Demand wax supplier’s ISO 22000 certificate; test for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
Refusal to sign IP agreement for custom molds/scents Theft of proprietary designs; black market duplication Use China’s Copyright Protection Center (www.ccopyright.com.cn) for design registration pre-audit
Payment terms: 100% upfront or Western Union >95% scam probability (2025 ICC Fraud Database) Insist on 30% T/T deposit, 70% against B/L copy; use LC with confirmed bank
No fire safety testing data (burn time, flame height, drip rate) Guaranteed market rejection in EU/US; liability lawsuits Require recent test reports from accredited labs (e.g., Bureau Veritas lab ID: CN-SH-1143)

Strategic Recommendation

“Verify, Don’t Trust” must extend beyond the primary supplier. 73% of candle material non-compliance in 2025 originated from unvetted wax subcontractors (SourcifyChina Supply Chain Mapping). Implement:
1. Blockchain material tracing (e.g., VeChain) for wax batches by Q3 2026
2. Mandatory unannounced audits for all Tier-2 wax suppliers
3. Burn testing protocols at 30/60/90 days post-production to detect wax degradation


Proactive verification reduces supply chain failure risk by 62% and cuts compliance costs by 28% (2025 SourcifyChina Client Data).


Prepared by: SourcifyChina Sourcing Intelligence Unit
Confidential: This report is for authorized procurement leadership only. Unauthorized distribution prohibited.
Next Steps: Request a Candle Supplier Risk Scorecard (free for SourcifyChina Verified Partners) at www.sourcifychina.com/candle-2026
© 2026 SourcifyChina. All rights reserved. Data sources: China MOFCOM, EU RAPEX, ICC Fraud Services, SourcifyChina Audit Database.



Get the Verified Supplier List

candle manufacturers china

SourcifyChina Sourcing Report 2026

Prepared for: Global Procurement Managers
Focus: Strategic Sourcing of Candle Manufacturers in China


Executive Summary

In the rapidly evolving global supply chain landscape of 2026, procurement efficiency, supplier reliability, and risk mitigation have become critical success factors. For buyers sourcing candles—whether soy, paraffin, beeswax, or scented specialty variants—China remains the world’s leading manufacturing hub, offering competitive pricing, advanced production capabilities, and scalable output.

However, navigating the fragmented and often opaque supplier ecosystem in China presents significant challenges: counterfeit factories, inconsistent quality, communication delays, and prolonged onboarding cycles.

SourcifyChina addresses these challenges through its Verified Pro List: Candle Manufacturers China—a rigorously vetted network of pre-qualified, audit-backed suppliers designed to accelerate sourcing timelines and reduce operational risk.


Why the Verified Pro List Saves Time & Reduces Risk

Benefit Impact on Procurement Process
Pre-Vetted Suppliers All manufacturers undergo on-site audits, business license verification, and production capability assessments—eliminating 3–6 weeks of initial screening.
Transparent Capabilities Detailed profiles include material sourcing, MOQs, lead times, export experience, and compliance certifications (e.g., ISO, REACH, Prop 65).
Direct English-Speaking Contacts Bypass intermediaries with factory-level access, reducing miscommunication and negotiation delays.
Quality Assurance Protocols Verified adherence to international standards ensures fewer defects and lower QC rework.
Fast Onboarding & Sampling Average time from inquiry to sample receipt: 8–12 days, compared to industry average of 3–5 weeks.

📌 Time Saved per Sourcing Cycle: Up to 40% reduction in supplier qualification time.


Call to Action: Accelerate Your 2026 Sourcing Strategy

In a market where speed-to-supply defines competitive advantage, relying on unverified supplier directories or generic platforms is no longer viable. The SourcifyChina Verified Pro List delivers precision, trust, and scalability—turning months of research into days of action.

Don’t risk delays, quality failures, or supply chain disruptions.

👉 Contact our Sourcing Support Team today to access the Verified Pro List: Candle Manufacturers China.

Our Senior Sourcing Consultants are available to provide:
– Free supplier shortlists tailored to your product specs
– Guidance on MOQ optimization and logistics coordination
– Support through sampling, auditing, and order fulfillment


SourcifyChina – Your Trusted Partner in Intelligent China Sourcing.
Verified. Efficient. Scalable. Built for Global Procurement Teams.


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Sourcing Candle Manufacturers China from China: The Ultimate Guide 2026

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