Chinese LCD TV exports made remarkable gains in the first half of 2004, according to new figures from the Chinese Ministry of Commerce. LCD TV export volume posted 80% growth year-on-year, and PDP (Plasma Display Panel) TV export volume grew 115-fold, lifting export value 291-fold over the first half of 2003.

 

In the first half of 2004, Chinese exports of color TVs reached 18.9 million units, a rise of 56.7% year-on-year. Total export value rose to US$2.1 billion, a 79% year-on-year upturn. LCD TVs accounted for nearly 1.1 million units of overall export volume, a rise of 80% from the first half of 2003. Total exports of LCD TVs were valued at US$210 million, which represents 452% growth from last year. Meanwhile, PDP TV export volume totaled 30,000 units, an increase of 11,497% year-on-year. PDP TV export value was estimated at US$55.3 million, a dramatic jump of 29,131%.

 

While LCD TV and PDP TV exports currently only make up a small portion of Chinese TV exports, the Ministry of Commerce points out that their potential for growth is much greater than conventional TV models and export prices on LCD and PDP TVs continue to rise. Looking at the first half of 2004, LCD TVs constitute 5.7% of all color TV exports, contributing one-tenth of total TV export value. PDP TV, still in the early stages of development in China, amounts to 1.6% of total TV export volume and 2.6% of value.

 

The report mentions an extra benefit to be gained if Chinese makers shift production toward higher-end models such as LCD and PDP. Certain countries have levied anti-dumping tariffs against Chinese makers due to complaints of artificially low prices on Chinese TVs. Higher priced LCD TVs and PDP TVs are unlikely to face similar price-control measures.