Amid uncertainties of economic recovery in the half-half of 2009, consumer demand was not strong, and demand of end-consumers for electronic products also remained still weak. However, Himfr.com's analyst estimated that the LED industry in 2009 would sustain a positive growth driven by the growth in LED laptops market, as the penetration rate speeds up.

Facing uncertain market prospects, the analyst believes that LED industry, which has energy-saving advantages, will become a core industry this year; there is huge market potential for LED lamps, outdoor display screen and LED backlight modules fields.

LED can achieve high-light conversion efficiency, and with less power consumption, along with its small size, light weight, long life, non-mercury, non-radiation environmental protection advantages, coupled with a wide range of applications, including partial lighting, backlight panel, buildings (landscape) lighting, traffic lighting, medical and light source, such as agriculture, fisheries and animal husbandry equipment, it becomes a manufacturers' favorite.

There is a vast market for LED street lamps in 2009, amounting to 2.5 million calixs, with an annual growth rate of 178%. However, for LED lighting to officially enter the mainstream, the cost is the biggest obstacle. Manufacturers need to lower the cost of LED lamps in the long run in order to stay competitive.

The growing popularity of LED lighting has become an irreversible trend, and LED manufacturers are starting to explore more features to develop niche markets. Import is an obvious choice and the focus will turn gradually to the general lighting applications market.