Bahrain’s consumer electronics market is forecast to increase to US$537mn by 2013, driven by demand for feature-rich digital lifestyle products such as LCD TV sets, notebook computers and other key products, and by ongoing development of the electronics retail sector.
Bahrain’s growing population has helped to drive growth in the consumer segment and attracted new retailers into the market. PC sales of close to 70,000 units and mobile handset sales of around 616,000were estimated for 2008. Despite current economic uncertainties, increased demand for mobility, lower prices and greater vendor and channel sales flexibility will drive demand for notebooks in particular. Demand for new technologies such LED TV sets, and smart phones and touch-screen phones, will also provide a number of growth areas.
Computer hardware accounted for around 52% of Bahraini consumer electronics spending in 2008. BMI forecasts Bahraini domestic market computer sales(including notebooks and accessories) of US$236mn in 2009, up from US$219mnin 2008. Computer hardware compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for the 2009-2013 period is forecast at about 6%, led by notebooks and net books, which currently account for about 60% of sales.
AV devices accounted for around 33% of Bahraini consumer electronics spending in 2008. The Bahraini addressable AV device market is forecast at US$150mn in2009. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 2% between 2009-2013, driven largely by demand for LCD and plasma TV sets, to a value of US$162mn in 2013.
Mobile handset sales accounted for around 15% of Bahraini consumer electronics spending in 2008. Bahraini market handset sales are expected to grow at a CAGR of 10% to US$85mn in 2013, as mobile penetration passes 200% by 2010 and the launch of commercial services by STC in 2009 helps stimulate further sector competition. There will be growing demand for smart phones and 3G handsets.
