Europe Becomes Key Region for Electronic Goods as US Concedes Ground

++ Western Europe Gains Market Share as Global TCG Market Shrinks ++

Figures released today have revealed that Western Europe (19% of global total) will surpass North America (18%) as the region with the largest volume share of Technical Consumer Goods (TCG) in 2009.

Sales of the three main categories of the electronics market (Mobile Phones, TVs and PCs) in Western Europe will rise by 2% over 2008 to reach US$131 billion whereas North America will experience a substantial decline of 12%. The financial crisis has taken its toll on the industry, with the global TCG market valued at US$681 billion for 2009, falling by 2% over 2008.  This is still an increase of 12% over the 2007 figure however.

Japan saw the most impressive climb (+19%) although no region accelerated their rate compared to 2008. The Eastern Europe market declined most dramatically – falling by 36% in 2009 over 2008.

In terms of products, sales of LCD TVs have risen much higher than expected, to reach a global total of 145 million sets sold in 2009, compared to 108 million in 2008. 

The findings are based on real, POS sales data from over 400,000 retailers worldwide through GfK Retail and Technology's recently launched ‘Digital World’ forecasting service (The database consists of manufacturing sales data in the US and retail sales data in the rest of the world). Working with the CEA, the US industry authority, this brand new comprehensive global database allows all those with an interest in the IT, Telco and CE markets to compare, contrast and forecast their portfolios in detail for the first time.