Things are looking up for consumer electronics, thanks to the success of new tablets like the Samsung Nexus and new Smart TVs from Vizio and others. The consumer electronics (CE) industry will see stronger than anticipated growth in 2012, according to the semi-annual industry forecast released by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA). The overall CE industry will grow an estimated 5.9 percent in the U.S. this year, two points higher than previously projected in January.
The U.S. Consumer Electronics Sales and Forecasts (July 2012) projects that industry sales will surpass $206 billion this year, the first time yearly industry revenues in the U.S. are expected to top the $200 billion mark. Sales growth is projected to continue into 2013, when industry revenues will likely grow 4.5 percent, reaching $215.8 billion.
“The CE industry is offering what consumers want during these uncertain economic times: innovation and value,” said CEA President and CEO Gary Shapiro. “Consumers’ desire for connected devices is pushing projected revenues higher than originally anticipated, but the long-term health of our industry relies on a strong and growing U.S. economy.”
Sales of mobile connected devices, led by tablets, have pushed overall industry revenues to record highs:
Tablets are expected to reach $29.1 billion in shipment revenues this year, $10.8 billion more than forecasted in January, representing 83 percent sales growth year-over-year. Unit sales are expected to reach 68.5 million.
Smartphone sales will also see continued growth this year and will remain the primary revenue driver for the industry. Shipment revenues for smartphones are expected to reach $33.7 billion in 2012, with more than 108 million units shipping to dealers, up 24 percent from 2011.
Laptop sales continue to increase as consumers demand mobility in computing solutions. Led by the introduction of ultrabooks, overall laptop sales to dealers are expected to reach $14.9 billion, with 21.3 million laptops shipping to dealers.
Source: Gamerlive.tv
