China has surpassed Japan to become the world's third largest consumer of LCD TVs, according to figures released yesterday by DisplaySearch, a leading provider of information, consulting and conferences for the display supply chain.

In terms of shipment, Western Europe and North America are still the leading two consumers of LCD TVs, with market shares of 31.4 percent and 30.6 percent respectively.

China went into the No 3 spot with a market share of 11 percent in 2007, up from the 10.4 percent in 2006. Japan took 9.7 percent of the market share last year.

Global shipments of LCD TVs hit 80 million units last year, with a record value of US$67.9 billion. Samsung, Sony and Philips ranked the top three in terms of shipment and shipment value.

For more details, please read the full story in Chinese (http://www.china-cbn.com/s/n/000004/20080226/020000072120.shtml)

(China.org.cn February 26, 2008)