TOKYO – Total consumer electronic shipments from Japanese manufacturers in 2006 were about $23.6 billion, representing a 7% growth compared to 2005, according to a recent report released by the Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association.
Shipments of AV equipment increased 10% year-over-year. The flat panel TV segment, especially large-size LCDs, led the industry relative to unit growth, increasing by 33% during 2006, says JEITA. Sales for LCD TVs larger than 37" grew by 130%, and sales of PDP TVs increased 60% during the same period. Panasonic is still increasing manufacturing capacities for PDP TVs, contrary to other major electronics manufacturers who shifted to LCD, says the report.
While automobile sales in Japan are flat, sales for vehicle electronics equipment is growing rapidly, reports the association; sales of high-end portable GPS systems for automobiles increased 44% year-over-year.
DVDs and related products declined 18% in 2006 compared to 2005, suggesting this segment’s sales may have peaked.
Overall, several market indexes measuring the electronics industry in Japan are indicating a downturn for the first quarter of 2007. While Japanese manufacturers in the electronics industry predict good financial performances for the fiscal year ending March 2007, they may not be too optimistic for the remainder of 2007, says JEITA.
BANGALURA, INDIA – India's semiconductor manufacturing policy has been announced, paving the way for India to make its mark on the global market. The Special Incentive Package Scheme focuses on attracting investments for setting up semiconductor plants and other technology manufacturing industries in the region. Semiconductor companies seeking incentives—20% of the capital expenditure during the first 10 years —will have to invest a minimum $550 million, according to the initiative.
MANILA – Integrated Microelectronics, Inc. has recently opened an office in Tokyo. IMI Japan, Inc. will serve as a marketing office to draw more outsourcing projects to the Philippines, where the company's main manufacturing site is located, IMI said.
In a statement, the EMS and ODM company said that its Japanese office would work with Japan-based OEMs and also serve as a front-end design and product development center. IMI Japan also will be the bridge between Japanese customers and the company’s engineering centers in Singapore, China and the United States.
The company reported Japan accounts for 53% of all its revenues.