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Video communication over the Internet has thrust Web cameras as the next indispensable PC peripheral after mice and keyboards. The penetration rate with desktop and notebook PCs is expected to significantly increase as Web camera supply grows by 14 percent annually until 2008. About 140 makers form the backbone of the industry in Greater China, and the number is expected to increase in the coming months as the population of PC users who video chat/conference also rises.
Unpenetrated by camera giants such as Canon and Sony, none of the major Web camera makers has an overwhelming competitive edge yet. The majority of makers are small- and medium-sized companies that focus on OEM services, and some larger companies that promote their own brand. The dominant manufacturing hub is Guangdong province, particularly in Shenzhen, where production is supported by an ample supply of engineering talent and key components. The surveyed makers in this report will produce 23.09 million units of Web cameras in 2006, up 33 percent over 17.3 million units in 2005. Revenue from sales of Web cameras in 2006 is estimated to reach US$105.49 million, a 20-percent jump from the US$87.79 million posted in 2005. This report covers 100,000-pixel to 2.3-megapixel CMOS and CCD Web cameras that connect to a PC mainly through USB 1.1 and 2.0 ports. Based on the manufacturing, product development and export statistics from 27 manufacturers, including 18 from mainland China, eight from Taiwan and one from Hong Kong, Global Sources presents the following findings:
All information contained in China Sourcing Reports is the result of exclusive, ground-level and definitive research conducted by Global Sources' analysts. Companies featured in these reports may or may not be clients of Global Sources.
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