Bishop & Associates has just released a new eight-chapter research report analyzing the Emerging Connector Markets in Central and Easter European (CEE). This report provides a comprehensive analyses of the Central & Eastern European connector market detailing connector consumption by country with details by end-use equipment sector, and connector product category. Sales are provided for 2005, and forecasts for the year 2010.

This report is an essential tool for any connector manufacturer or any company involved in the connector business that wants to obtain a better insight in CEE market dynamics, as well as and connector sales volumes by country, end-use equipment and product category.

The connector market for Central and Eastern Europe, including Russia, is achieving excellent growth and is becoming an attractive market for connector manufacturers. In 2005, the region represented approximately 10 percent of the total European connector market. This share will grow to almost 15 percent by the year 2010. The anticipated five-year Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) for the CEE connector market is close to 12 percent. In comparison, the Western European connector market is expected to grow at a modest CAGR of just over 3 percent during the same period.

The following table shows world connector market sales for the year 2005, and the 2010 forecast. Percent share of the world market is also displayed for 2005 and 2010.

World Connector Market 2005-2010

This new report supplies detailed statistics for the following group of 16 countries:

European Union Member States:

Poland
Hungary
Czech Republic
Slovak Republic
Slovenia
Estonia
Latvia
Lithuania

Countries Acceding To The European Union (2007):

Romania
Bulgaria

Candidate Countries To The European Union:

Croatia
Turkey – Geographically Partly In Europe And Largely In Asia

Commonwealth Of Independent States - CIS Countries:

Russia – Geographically Partly In Europe, Partly In Asia
Ukraine
Moldova
Belarus

The 16 CEE countries have 383 million inhabitants and a combined GDP in 2005 of US$1,915 billion, with an average growth rate much higher than most Western European countries. It’s clear that in the mid to long term, this represents a large potential market for manufacturers of cars, consumer products and other equipment.

Five countries dominate the Central and Eastern European connector market: Hungary, Turkey, the Czech Republic, Russia and Poland. These 5 countries together represented 84% of 2005 connector demand in the region.

2005 CEE Connector Market - Top Five Countries Market Share

In 2005, consumer electronics was the largest CEE market for connectors. However, by 2010, the automotive sector is projected to be the largest CEE connector market.

Other connector markets achieving excellent growth in the Central and Eastern European region are industrial equipment and computers & peripherals.

The main drivers (analyzed in more detail in this report) to move manufacturing facilities to the CEE region have been:

General Investment Climate: Tax Regime, Stability, And Legal System.
Reforms are underway in most countries

Low Cost Labor, Especially In The Ukraine, Romania, And Bulgaria.
Initially in Hungary, Czech Republic and Poland

Close Proximity To Western (European) Markets.
Reduced logistics cost compared to Asian production

Growing Local Market (Closeness To New Customers).
Standard of living in the region improving

Lower Business Risks Compared To Asia/China.
Legal, political, regulatory issues

Capitalizing On Local Talent, Willingness To Work.
Availability of an educated workforce