TOKYO – Total consumer electronic shipments from Japanese manufacturers in 2006 were about $23.6 billion, representing a 7% growth compared to 2005, according to a recent report released by the Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association.

Shipments of AV equipment increased 10% year-over-year. The flat panel TV segment, especially large-size LCDs, led the industry relative to unit growth, increasing by 33% during 2006, says JEITA. Sales for LCD TVs larger than 37" grew by 130%, and sales of PDP TVs increased 60% during the same period. Panasonic is still increasing manufacturing capacities for PDP TVs, contrary to other major electronics manufacturers who shifted to LCD, says the report.

While automobile sales in Japan are flat, sales for vehicle electronics equipment is growing rapidly, reports the association; sales of high-end portable GPS systems for automobiles increased 44% year-over-year.

DVDs and related products declined 18% in 2006 compared to 2005, suggesting this segment’s sales may have peaked.

Overall, several market indexes measuring the electronics industry in Japan are indicating a downturn for the first quarter of 2007. While Japanese manufacturers in the electronics industry predict good financial performances for the fiscal year ending March 2007, they may not be too optimistic for the remainder of 2007, says JEITA.