Annual MP3 product sales jump by triple digits in June

August 18, 2003

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) reports, MP3 products such as stand-alone MP3 players and headset CD/MP3 players helped fuel growth in audio products in the month of June. Shipments of MP3 players attained sales of 336,452 units- a 138 percent increase compared to the same period in 2002.

Headset CD/MP3 player sales continue to rise in the triple digits, which helps push the audio category as well. In June, unit sales were up 202 percent, compared to the same period in 2002, to total sales of 547,000 units and dollar sales were up 104 percent to a total of 27 million dollars.

In-dash CD player sales have been boosted by MP3 playback as well. Both unit sales and dollar sales are up 31 percent for the month of June compared to last year to a total 169,00 units and 27 million.

"The growth in MP3 has been monumental in 2003, with it clearly being a purchase criteria for consumers seeking on the go audio," said Sean Wargo, director of industry analysis. "The great news is that this trend has only just begun, now that the format is moving into the mainstream with the new profit based online music services."

The CEA's Market Activity Reports and Analysis (MARA)
program, has more than 500 reports published annually. The MARA program is
recognized as the "authoritative source" for data on the consumer electronics
industry.

Source: mi2n.com