The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) said it expects a stronger showing in consumer electronics during the second half of the year.
The first part of 2013 saw sluggish sales in many CE categories due to the overall economy.
“The front half of 2013 brought slower than anticipated economic growth in the U.S. driven by the fiscal drag of sequestration and expiration of the payroll tax,” said the CEA’s Shawn DuBravac. While these factors may linger through the year, he said, “…the rest of 2013 should find itself on firmer footing, with several forthcoming product launches which should propel growth in the second half of 2013, through the holiday season and into 2014.”
The entire consumer electronics industry is projected to see little growth this year—only 0.2 percent. This would bring the industry to total sales of $202.6 billion wholesale. Car audio, including portable navigation, makes the small contribution of about 2.6 billion to that.
CEO of the Consumer Electronics Association Gary Shapiro says the future is still bright for the total CE industry with new categories emerging like Ultra HDTV, wearable electronics (such as fitness watches) and 3D printers.
In 2014, total CE sales should grow by 4.5 percent to $211.7 billion.
Within the CE market the growth segments remain smartphones and tablets, expected to grow by 32.2 (combined). The smartphone is still the top source of revenue in consumer electronics, projected at f $37.8 billion wholesale this year on shipments of 127 million units. Tablets will see double digit growth this year with sales expected to reach 87.1 million units and revenues forecast at $27.3 million.
Audio is also seeing unexpected growth, says the CEA. Home audio shipments should climb by 11 percent this year to 11.4 million units due mainly to sales of soundbars and Bluetooth/Airplay-ready speakers.
Source: CEA
