Final Report for Electronica 2008

Electronics Industry Pins Great Hopes on "Green Electronics"

Number of exhibitors and visitors at a constantly high level
Industry self-confidently looking forward to economic challenges

With a constantly high number of exhibitors and visitors, electronica 2008 sent out some positive signals to the international electronics industry. The trade fair attracted around 2,800 exhibitors, 58% of whom came from abroad. Approximately 72,000(current status: 73,000) trade visitors were recorded at electronica 2008. The number of visitors from Central and Eastern European countries, Taiwan, Brazil, South Africa and Russia was higher than in previous years. Compared with previous events, however, there were fewer visitors from the USA, the United Kingdom, France and Israel. These decreases are due both to the current economic situation and companies’ tighter travel restrictions which meant that the number of visitors per company declined.

Exhibitors and visitors were very satisfied with the outcome of electronica 2008. In particular, they awarded top marks to the completeness and range of the exhibited products and services, electronica’s position as the main trade fair for the electronics industry, its leading role, the presence of market leaders and the internationality of exhibitors.

As expected, there was a great deal of discussion in the exhibition halls regarding economic developments over the last few weeks and months. Exhibitors and visitors are expecting a downturn in the economy. However, they are facing up to this difficult phase with self-confidence and have already organized their companies accordingly.

Klaus Dittrich, Managing Director of Messe München International, was extremely satisfied with the outcome of the trade fair: “We are proud that electronica showed its stability in the face of the economic crisis. This result is a very clear indication of the importance of the trade fair as a worldwide meeting-point for the industry.“

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Medical industry with expected CAGR of 12.0% through 2012

According to this article, 2007 marked the highest revenue performance for the EMS-industry, outpacing the record year of 2006. Growth remained during the 1H/2008, during which the 20 largest EMS-providers (global) recorded a sales increase of 16.6%, compared to the 1H/2007.

The growth outlook for the EMS industry continues to be geographically unbalanced. According to Electronic Trend Publications, from 2007 to 2012, Asia is expected to grow at a CAGR of 17.2% and account for over 71% of the EMS market by 2012 - compared to a 4.9% annual growth for North America and a 7.5% annual growth for Europe. The rest of the world is expected to grow at a 11.6% CAGR over the same period, states Lincoln International in their latest report.

The key region within the Asian market remains China, accounting for approximately 60% of all Asian EMS production. Together with Taiwan, these two countries represent 46% of the entire global EMS production. By 2012, this is predicted to change. China is expected to account for 76% of all EMS output in Asia and 54% worldwide. The Chinese government is likely to continue to provide significant incentives, such as tax credits, land grants, low import duties, among other advantages. In addition, full private equity ownership of EMS operations is now possible and is beginning to become more popular.