Introduction: Technology Download PDF

The technology industry is composed of companies producing electronic components, scientific and technical instruments, computer hardware and software, and computer services. It is a very fast paced, competitive industry in which innovation is the key to success.

Risk Description

Computers
The world computer market should suffer a slight slowdown in 2008. The growing importance of emerging markets and, in mature markets, of the home segment compared to the office segment argues for a rethinking of strategies. The different actors (designers, manufacturers, subcontractors, and distributors) have to contend with the standardisation and rapid obsolescence of computer equipment and the need to offer tightly priced equipment in emerging or developing regions. The resulting decline of average prices can only be offset by faster increases in sales volumes, and it prompts the transfer of production to countries offering lower costs. The competition on delivery times and after sales service has been fierce, making stock management a delicate balancing act. Althoughh restructuring programmes have continued in that context, they have nonetheless not succeeded in eliminating the financial difficulties experienced by some actors.

Corporations (By Sales)

Sectoral Rankings

April 2008	World	North America	Japan	Western Europe	Central Europe	Emerging Asia	Latin America	Middle East North Africa
Computers	B-	B-	B-	B-	B+	B+	B+	B
Electronic Components	A-	A-	B+	B	n/a	A-	n/a	n/a

Trade Statistics

Country	Exports (thousands)	Imports (thousands)	Net Trade (thousands)	Share of Exports (%)	Share of Imports (%)	Exports Growth (%)	Imports Growth (%)
China	289,702,708	254,277,259	35,425,449	14.331	11.990	49.228	12.578
United States	202,547,010	322,488,559	(119,941,549)	10.020	15.206	2.592	9.097
Japan	172,095,054	98,897,212	73,197,842	8.513	4.663	11.639	8.157
Germany	156,603,084	137,237,133	19,365,951	7.747	6.471	18.190	8.255
Hong Kong	146,612,726	146,198,555	414,171	7.253	6.894	22.961	9.423