LCD TV revenues fall in 2012 and the makers are cautious on 2013

NPD DisplaySearch reports annual global LCD TV shipments declined for the first time ever in 2012, down 1% to 203 million. The first three quarters were continuously down and fourth quarter of 2012 has seen a small growth of 0.6%, as per DisplaySearch. Vendors are cautious on the prospect of growth in 2013. “Global demand for LCD TVs declined 18% Y/Y in developed regions in 2012, and the growth in emerging markets was not nearly enough to offset this decline in some of the world’s highest volume regions,” observed Paul Gagnon, Director of Global TV Research for NPD DisplaySearch. “Economic conditions certainly had an impact on demand, but a very mild price erosion also played a role, as global average selling prices for flat panel TVs fell a mere 2% Y/Y in 2012 compared to a 5% decline in 2011 and double digit declines in 2010.” Other finding reported by NPD DisplaySearch includes: Total global TV shipments fell over 6% Y/Y in 2012, from 249 million to 233 million. On a regional basis, North America shipments were essentially flat in comparison to 2011, with the US accounting for 89.7% of North American volume according to new data available from NPD DisplaySearch. However, shipments to both Japan and Western Europe fell sharply, declining 68% and 15% Y/Y, respectively. China was once again the world’s largest market for TV shipments, with demand rising 6% to nearl...