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March 28, 2024

Analysts predict flat electronics sales for 2010

South American and Asian markets expected to grow

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The consumer electronics industry had a down year in 2009 and can expect the same in 2010, Consumer Electronics Association analysts said.

CEA analysts said global sales revenue for consumer electronics fell 2 percent in 2009 to $681 billion, and revenue is expected to be flat in 2010.

In 2008, the industry saw sales increase more than 14 percent, bringing global revenue to $693 billion.

“Over the past several years, the global industry has enjoyed a number of years of prosperity. The global economic recession that has crept its way around the globe really impacted revenues in 2009,” said Steve Koenig, CEA director of industry analysis.

While there is growth in emerging countries, Koenig said, it is not enough to offset the declines in places like North America and Western Europe, even as those areas begin to rebound.

North America is expected to see a 3 percent decline in consumer electronics sales in 2010 after a decline of 12 percent in 2009. Western Europe is expected to see a 9 percent drop.

South America, meanwhile, is expected to see a 6 percent increase in 2010, CEA analysts said. Sales in China will grow 10 percent, following a 10 percent increase last year, they said.

CEA expects sales in Asia, which includes India and Korea, to increase 6 percent, matching last year’s gain.

This year, CEA expects 36 percent of its sales to come from Asian countries, the same as Western markets.

Eastern countries will eventually overtake Western nations in consumer electronics sales, Koenig said.

On the product front, CEA said, manufacturers have seen tremendous growth in LCD TVs during the last five years. LCD TVs are expected to make up 25 percent of global revenue in 2010.

Looking back to 2005, the top three products were mobile phones, LCD TVs and DVD recorders.

The most popular products of 2009 were Blu-ray players, LCD television and laptops — the same products expected to top sales in 2010.

Among the top three products, CEA expects to only see sales growth with Blu-ray players and LCD TVs.

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