IMS Research Forecasts Smart Cards IC Shipments to Reach 5.8 Billion in 2010

IMS Research Forecasts Smart Cards IC Shipments to Reach 5.8 Billion in 2010
In its latest smart card and smart card IC dataset (published August 2010), IMS Research has concluded that the market for smart cards ICs is forecast to reach 5.8 billion units in 2010.

“The first half of 2010 has seen a marked improvement in the financial performance of the majority of IC suppliers. Moreover, smart card manufacturers have also seen an upturn in demand for their products. Confidence is returning to the sector and re-stocking by smart card manufacturers is gathering pace.”

Senior market analyst and report author Don Tait says, “2009 was particularly tough trading conditions for smart card IC suppliers with total revenues actually declining 9.2% to $1.85 billion, despite there being growth in terms of units. The economic downturn, destocking by card manufacturers and price erosion all had a negative impact on revenues. This situation is projected to improve during 2010.