TrendForce Expects Curved-Screen Monitor Shipments to Double This Year as China’s Internet Café Boom Drives Global Demand

WitsView, a division of TrendForce, reports that the total shipments of curved-screen monitors reached almost 900,000 units in 2015, the first year that the product was sold on the market. With more brands entering the curved-screen monitor market and strong demand from Internet cafés in China, WitsView projects that about 1.8 million curved-screen monitors will be shipped this year, an increase from an earlier estimation of 1.5 million units.  

“Sales of curved-screen monitors have been exceptionally strong in China recently because their releases coincided with a boom in the country’s Internet cafés,” said Anita Wang, WitsView research manager. “These venues are driving the demand for large-size monitors with novel designs, so curved-screen products fits right into this market.” 

In addition to product cost, industrial design is also a crucial factor in determining the market success of a branded curved-screen monitor. For example, ASUS’s 34-inch curved-screen monitor for high-end gaming application has been well received by consumers for its physical appearance. Hence, the product has seen excellent reception in North America even though it was released this year, which was much later compared with similar offerings from competing brands.

Samsung has been the dominant brand for curved-screen monitors in terms of market share by sales. In the fourth quarter of 2015, Samsung led worldwide market share with 68%. The brand was also No. 1 in last year’s annual sales ranking with a market share of over 70%. Besides enjoying brisk sales in China, Samsung’s curved-screen monitors have been popular in North America as well. The South Korean brand has significant cost advantage and strong industrial design expertise. Furthermore, the company has invested in a lot of resources to strengthen and expand their distribution network in North America. These above factors have led to the success of Samsung curved-screen products in this region. 

In China, domestic brand HKC introduced its first 32-inch curved-screen monitor at the end of last year. The sleek design and economic pricing of HKC curved-screen products have allowed the brand to establish a strong foothold in the local Internet café market. The Chinese brand was ranked second place behind Samsung in the sales of curved-screen products in the fourth quarter of last year with a worldwide market share of 14%.