Taipei, Dec. 5, 2008 (CENS)--Global shipments of LCD TVs are expected to continue to grow in 2008 and 2009, despite global economic uncertainties, but the growths will slow, according to iSuppli Corp., a global leader in technology value chain research and consultancy.

In light of the current economic and financial crises, iSuppli recently cut its forecast for LCD TV shipments, estimating the global shipments will amount to 93.4 million units in 2008, down nearly 6% from its previous prediction of 99 million. The firm also cut its previous forecast of 124 million units for 2009 to 112.6 million units for next year.

Despite the financial upheavals this and next year, iSuppli said that worldwide LCD-TV shipments would grow by 18.9% in 2008 and 20.5% in 2009. The research firm pointed out that economic downturn in the United States and Europe has impacted global economies, slowing Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growths, raising inflation, and braking consumer spending worldwide. However, it added, such slowdown would not compromise annual LCD-TV shipments in 2008 or 2009.

"LCD-TV shipments will continue to rise due to strong consumer interest and declining Average Selling Prices (ASPs) for sets," noted Riddhi Patel, principal analyst of television systems for iSuppli. "Furthermore, iSuppli expects the major brands` marketing and promotional efforts will fuel demand."

In the fourth quarter, iSuppli said, sales would be weak compared to previous expectations, while sell-in (OEM shipments to the sales and distribution channels) would continue to be robust and consumer sales would be weak.

iSuppli has reduced by 10% forecasts for LCD-TV shipments in 2009, adding the market would bounce back and the demand would pick up in 2010.

Worldwide LCD-TV Consumption Forecast (2007-2012) (1,000 Units)
	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011	2012
Thousands of Units	78,530	93,385	112,568	139,213	166,376	185,844
Source: iSuppli Corp., November 2008.

(by Ken Liu)