Sept 10, 2001

Taiwan will remain as the world's largest supplier of notebook personal computers in 21, with a global market share estimated at 52,1% for the year, down slightly from the 52,5% recorded in 2000, according to Taiwan's Institute for Information Industry (III).

In an analytical report, recently released by the Market Intelligence Center of III Taiwan makers turned out 6.196 million notebook PCs valued at US$5.816 billion in the first half of this year, down 4% in volume and 16.9% in value as a result of growing competition from South Korea and shrinking orders from Japan.

The MIC forecasted that Taiwan's total production of notebook PCs will reach 13.94 million units this year, translating into a 52.1% share of the global demand of 25.116 million units.

According to the MIC analysis, Taiwan has built up a leading position in this field by supplying quality products at comparatively lower prices. Nevertheless, the report said, Taiwan makers must not rely on these existing advantages, especially when their South Korea counterparts are stepping up their research and development efforts.

Meanwhile, Japan makers have placed fewer and fewer OEM orders for Taiwan-made notebook PCs in recent months, as the depreciation of the Japanese Yen has caused them to reduce supplies from abroad.