News Article
TrendForce: LED lamp retail prices oscillate in September
LEDinside's September LED lamp ASP survey says the global ASP for a 40W equivalent LED lamp rose by 2.8 percent. The good news for consumers was that during the same period, the ASP for a 60W equivalent LED lamp slid by 2.5 percent
According to Trendforce research subsidiary, LEDinside, few new 40W equivalent LED lamp products were released worldwide in September, prompting an increase in ASPs.
Globally, particularly in the US, top North American lighting brands and wholesalers began releasing super competitive-priced 60W equivalent LED products, causing a significant price decrease. And as expected, this strategy stimulated purchases.
40W equivalent LED lamp products cause price fluctuations
The global 40W equivalent LED bulb ASP in September was up 2.8 percent to US$ 16.2.
In the UK, prices increased 5.8 percent due to price fluctuations in existing LED products. Certain product prices were increased, while sales for a portion of low priced products was altogether terminated. What's more, falls in exchange rates also led to higher prices.
Germany also saw the 40W equivalent LED lamp ASP rise 1.9 percent last month, due to a drop in currency exchange rates and existing product price fluctuations.
However, in Japan 40W equivalent LED lamp ASP fell 2.1 percent due to a steady decline in product prices, and an uptick in currency exchange rates.
In the US, product ASP grew 2.2 percent in September. Sales of existing product prices were terminated, while remaining product prices fluctuated.
Prices in Korea experienced an incremental increase of 1.4 percent, due to decreased currency exchange rates. Basically existing product prices remained flat.
Product ASP in China remained unchanged at US$ 10.2 for September, and no new products were released that month.
In Taiwan 40W equivalent LED lamps experienced a much larger ASP increase of 8.1 percent. Some low priced products had put an end to promotion and sales, while other product prices were stabilised. Again, lower currency exchange also led to upward price climb.
A summary of regional performance for the 40W equivalent LED bulbs in the September period is shown in the table below.
U.S. 60W equivalent LED prices plunge most in September
The worldwide 60W equivalent LED ASP dipped 2.5 percent in September to US$ 21.4. Regional performance is described below.
US product prices plummeted 15.2 percent, with some existing products temporarily exiting the market. New products launched on the market include lower priced Walmart’s Great Value brand bulbs. Other product prices were either stable or continued to decline.
In Japan, prices were down one percent to US$ 21.3 in September. Existing product prices declined stably, and no new products emerged in the region.
In Korea, prices were down two percent, while remaining product prices were stabilised.
In the UK prices increased a miniscule 0.1 percent in September. Basically, original product prices grew stably, mainly due to decline in exchange rates that led to increased product prices. Prices for new products were much lower.
Prices in Germany were down 1.6 percent in September. Existing product prices were stable or declined slightly. No new products emerged in the region.
China and Taiwan’s 60W equivalent LED prices were up 2.9 percent and 2 percent respectively. Some existing products had discontinued sales in both regions, while remaining products experienced price fluctuations. Also, declines in currency exchange rates also led to increase in prices.
As market competition intensifies, large manufacturers and distribution channels are launching low price products.
Market ASP continued price fluctuations in September 2013, but as market competition intensifies price cuts are also becoming more evident, according to LEDinside observations. Manufacturers have launched low priced products in regional markets, such as Unilumen’s joint venture with luminaire manufacturer Hugewin, a major player in online LED sales.
The two companies have established Unilumen-Hugewin (literal translation) that will take advantage of Unilumen’s product plus cost advantages, while making use of Hugewin’s distribution channel advantages to launch a competitive priced LED lamp.
In the US market, Walmart’s launch of its own brand of Great Value LED lamp product prices are even lower than the bottom price in the US. One of the 60W equivalent LED lamp without dimming functions is sold at US$ 8.88, while the dimmable 60W equivalent LED lamp comes in at US$ 9.88. The lamps are being sold in US. shops and on Walmart's website.
