Global Fiber Optic Connector/Splice Market to Grow at 4x Rate

According to foreign media reports, the latest report from market research firm ElectroniCast indicates that fiber optic connector sales in the United States and Europe/Middle East/Africa (EMEA) regions will decline this year but recover next year. In 2011, the global fiber optic connector/splice market reached 703 million units, and is expected to reach 1.57 billion units by 2016, doubling compared to 2011.

The report points out that in 2011, the Americas region led with a 54% global market share. Within five years (2011-2016), the Americas market will grow at an average annual rate of 10.8%. The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region will see the fastest growth, with an average annual growth rate of 25% (2011-2016).

In 2011, the EMEA region (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) held a 19.5% share of the optical connector market, trailing the Asia-Pacific region in second place.

"Unlike the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, the Americas and EMEA regions are facing an overall market situation where consumption this year is not optimistic, but growth will resume after 2013," said Stephen Montgomery, Director of the Fiber Optic Components Group at ElectroniCast. "Due to the development of fiber-to-the-home, fiber optic connectors (and fiber optic splices) will play an increasingly important role in networks and will see greater usage."

Earlier data from the Information Center of the China Electronic Components Industry Association stated that domestic market demand for fiber optic connectors reached 280 million units in 2009. From 2010 to 2015, domestic demand for fiber optic connectors is expected to grow at approximately 12.6%, reaching 410 million units by 2012, with global demand reaching 1.64 billion units.

                                                   --- From C114