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Sales of consumer electronic goods in Brazil increased an estimated 20 percent in 2004 compared to 2003, according to preliminary figures released by the National Association of Electronics Manufacturers (Eletros).
The result marked the first increase in sales since 2000. With a backdrop of continued economic growth and falling interest rates and tax burden, sales could rise another 6 percent in 2005, said Paulo Saab, Eletros president.
Mr. Saab said that credit expansion and improving employment were crucial to boosting sales in 2004.
In all, the electronics sector sold an estimated 35.8 million units in 2004. Demand was mainly driven by the audio and video segment, which experienced a 37-percent sales increase compared to 2003. TV set sales totaled 7 million in 2004, up 33 percent from 2003. DVD player sales were up 80 percent from 2003, to 3 million units.
Brazil's white goods market also had a strong year in 2004 with a 23-percent sales increase. Overall, the industry sold 3.6 million refrigerators, 20 percent more than in 2003, and 3.7 million stoves, a 22-percent gain. The largest increases among white goods, however, came from clothes dryers, up 159 percent, and washing machines, up 30 percent.
The portable electronic segment registered a more moderate, but still significant rise of 8.5 percent in 2004 sales. Hair dryers registered a 54.8-percent increase in 2004, followed by coffee makers and mixers, with a sales increase of 17 and 15 percent, respectively over 2003.
In volume, however, press irons remained at the top, with 5.2 million units sold in 2004, followed by blenders with 3.5 million units. (AE Brazil)
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