NEW DELHI, May 22: India is likely to emerge as a major global player in the white goods sector by the year 2000. In 1995, India figured 11th in the global appliance market with a sale of 5.3 million units. By 2000, it is estimated that India will be sixth by almost doubling its volume to 12.6 million units.

These statistics are found in a report by Eurometer, a leading market-analysis firm in London. The statistics show that the total world volume sales of white goods have increased by 28 % in the last five years and will jump another 43 % by the year 2000.

Overall, Asia is likely to register highest growth rate in next few years. Apart from India, other Asian countries like China, Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia have also shown a remarkable jump in the sales of white goods.

Competition for larger shares of the global appliance market, continues the report, will continue to intensify as Asian manufacturers such as Samsung and Matsushita continue to invest worldwide especially in United States and Europe, while the US and European companies look to grow sales by investing in Asian markets like Whirlpool. At present the Asian white goods market is at the penetrating stage, though some countries including India and China has a sluggish growth in this segment.

The report points out that by 2000, Indonesia will join the top 10 markets with a volume of 14.8 million units. China will dominate in volume terms with 137.5 million units, almost 40 % of the total worldwide sales.

Another region expected to experience explosive growth in the coming years is South America. South American appliance purchase currently accounts for about 7.5 % of the world market (units). By the year 2000, the South American market is expected to grow by 20 % to 30 %.

By 2000, total worldwide demand in white goods is expected to be in region of 290.2 million units as against 221.2 million units in 1994. Refrigerators are expected to register highest growth with an approximate sales of 92.8 million units, against the sales of 74.6 million units in 1994. Cooking ranges and ovens will be next largest growing area with sales of 54.6 million units, as against 46.3 million units in 1995.

Microwave ovens and washers are expected to have the highest growth rates by the year 2000. The demand for the washers is expected to be 63.6 million units as against 47.4 million units, while for microwave ovens the demand is likely to be 50.4 million units as against 30.3 million units in 1994.

Dishwashers and dryers are also expected to grow moderately. The former's demand by 2000 is likely to be 14.4 million units, while that of the later will be 13.4 million units, as against 12 million units and 10.6 million units in 1994.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.