MONTREAL -- Electronics manufacturing in the US, Japan and Western Europe accounted for less than half the worldwide output for the first time in 2006 as the migration of volume manufacturing to low labor rate locations continues, according to a new report.

Although the Asia-Pacific, and China in particular, has been the main beneficiary, Central and Eastern Europe, Mexico and Brazil have also benefited from significant investment, Electronics.ca Publications found. In the longer-term, Many of today's low-cost locations will also offer significant market opportunities, creating the need for further investment in local manufacturing. 
Between 1995 and 2006 Asia Pacific's share of global electronics production has more than doubled, to 42%. China's share rose to 20.5% from 3% during that period.

• The US remains the world's largest electronics market, with a 26% share in 2006, although it was surpassed by China as the world's largest producer.
• Japan's output fell by 23.5% from 2000 to 2006, and the country's global share dropped to 12.7%, from 26% in 1995. Production there stabilized in 2006, rising 4% and 0.6% in 2007.
• India's electronics industry outlook remains positive. Electronics production increased by 22% in 2006 and although it is expected to ease slightly in both 2007 and 2008, it will still show double-digit growth.
• In 1995, Western Europe accounted for 21% of global electronics production. By 2000, this had fallen to 18% and in 2007 was estimated to be around 15%. Between 2000 and 2006 electronics output in Western Europe fell an estimated 30% in local currency.