The global TV market growth is forecast to decelerate this year, largely due to weaker currencies in emerging countries cutting demand, data showed Wednesday.
The volume of global TV shipments is expected to reach 235 million units in 2015, up 4 percent from the previous year, according to the data compiled by market tracker DisplaySearch.
The estimated expansion rate is lower than the 7 percent on-year growth seen in 2014. The growth rate for next year may further slow to an annual 3 percent, they showed.
The slowdown in the global TV market will likely come as a result of currency depreciations in some emerging markets. Russia has seen the ruble drop, which makes TVs more expensive there and lowers demand.
In Eastern Europe, demand for TV sets is forecast to shrink 18 percent this year compared with a year ago.
In contrast, TV makers will likely fare well in the North American and West European regions, as this year fits into the beginning of a seven- to eight-year cycle when consumers are predicted to buy new TV sets to replace their old ones.
Such demand for new TVs will boost the production of large-screen models. The global shipments of ultra high-definition TVs, including organic light-emitting diode ones, are estimated to hit 30 million units this year, according to DisplaySearch. (Yonhap)
