Smart China Sourcing
GPS accessories: GPS adoption sustains growing accessory segment
GPS accessories are sold bundled or as giveaways with personal navigation devices (PNDs) or GPS navigation systems. These include power adapters, in-car power chargers, external antennas, A/V cables, USB cables, car suction mounts, cases, touch pens and LCD screen protectors.
China has more than 1,000 suppliers engaged in GPS accessories, including about 100 companies that offer antennas. Many of them come from the mobile phone accessories segment. Makers take advantage of similarities in manufacturing processes, materials and designs to maximize equipment and expand product range. Some are also suppliers of consumer electronics and PC peripherals.
Touchscreen mobile phones: Added value stimulates rising popularity
Some companies said they reduced their export volumes by 30 to 50 percent in recent months. Shenzhen Yingtailong Technology Co. Ltd, for instance, now ships only 35,000 to 50,000 units, half of its monthly average in early 2008.
The minimum requirement has also dropped from 2,000 pieces at the end of last year to just about 500 as of March. Some overseas clients have lowered their order quantities from 10,000 to 5,000 phones.
In addition to slumping sales, tighter competition could lead to a consolidation that might push smaller companies out. Makers said even large enterprises are reporting losses because of the rising manufacturing costs amid thinning margins.
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