News

13 May 2009

 

Seoul Semi may challenge Lumileds as third biggest packaged LED supplier

Although full data is not yet available, a report from IMS Research on optoelectronic components (focusing on LEDs) reckons that the top three packaged LED suppliers in 2008 (in terms of dollar revenue) remained the same as in 2007 when Nichia had 24% of the market, Osram Opto 10.5%, and Philips Lumileds 6.5%.

However, although these three firms have been well established as the top three for several years now, they now face strong challenges from companies in Taiwan and Korea.

“Lumileds may face competition for third spot from Seoul Semiconductor in the next few years,” says analyst Jamie Fox. “For several years now, Seoul Semiconductor has grown aggressively and faster than the overall LED market, and has risen steadily through the top 10 to reach 4th spot.”

Other firms in the top ten include Japan’s Citizen and Toyoda Gosei, as well as Taiwan’s Everlight and Kingbright, which have also seen good growth. The USA’s Avago Technologies is also in the top ten by total revenue.

Other LED companies are more focused on profit margin and quality of products, or developing a portfolio with an eye on the long-term lighting market, rather than just the largest total revenues, says IMS. For example, Cree is widely considered to be one of the top four or five LED firms, but not in terms of packaged LED revenue.

In response to their confirmation as the number one supplier, a spokesman from Nichia commented that, while lower-quality products give other competitors a chance, he is increasingly seeing a demand for quality products.

See related item:

LED market still on target to exceed $33bn by 2013

Search: LEDs Seoul Semiconductor Nichia Osram Opto Philips Lumileds

Visit: www.imsresearch.com