Supply Chain Research

Camera manufacturer Nikon will close its Chinese factory for compact cameras, Nikkei reports. That’s the result of the lower end of the digital camera market having been absorbed by smartphone functionality. The closure shouldn’t be a surprise. Panjiva data shows Nikon’s Chinese exports fell 32.5% in the 12 months to August 31 vs. calendar 2013 despite a resurgence in late 2016. Within that shipments of completed cameras fell 63.2%, while completed lenses and parts climbed 169% and 57% respectively.

Chart segments Chinese exports by Nikon according to product type. Source: Panjiva

The Chinese camera industry more broadly has seen a similar problem. Exports of cameras fell by 43.2% over the same period, with shippers including Sony and Cowell having exited the market. A few have expanded however, led by Panasonic which actually increased shipments by 48.0%.

Chart segments Chinese camera exports by shipper name. Right hand axis shows total for all shippers.  Source: Panjiva