Times are getting better for consumer electronics. Sales this year will grow by 3 percent this year and 4 percent next year, said the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) after revising its forecast for shipment revenues.
The CEA upped its original forecast for the year (presented in January) by more than $9 billion, as the industry sees strong sales in 3DTVs, smartphones, Blu-ray players, eReaders, tablets, laptops and netbooks. It had expected 0.3 percent growth.
“Despite a relatively sluggish first half, these innovative product categories have generated a great deal of consumer interest. As a result, we see a stronger second half demand unfolding, and we anticipate a robust holiday quarter,” said CEA director of analysis Steve Koenig.
Next year, shipment revenues will reach all all-time high of more than $182 billion, compared to $175 billion this year, it predicted.
Portable computers (tablets, laptops, etc.) will be the key revenue driver in 2011, reaching more than $26 billion in shipments, with tablets leading the growth.
Wireless handsets will also hit sales at $26 billion, with smartphones driving the growth. More than 54 million smartphones will ship this year, up 31 percent, increasing to 66 million smartphones in 2011, generating almost $20 billion.
Digital display will see a jump in unit sales but slightly less revenue. Shipments of 3D displays will increase to 2.1 million this year, doubling the original forecast in January, and shipment revenue will top $2.7 billion. By 2011, more than 6 million units are projected to be sold, generating more than $7 billion in revenue.
Source: CEA
Photo: CEA president and CEO Gary Shapiro
