Canon expects SLR camera sales in China to surge 115%

Jul. 1, 2009 (China Knowledge) - Canon Inc, the world's largest camera maker, predicts that its sales of single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras in China will surge 115% in 2009 because Chinese consumers are pursuing professional photography, said Tatsuo Yoshioka, vice-president of Canon China, the China Daily reported.

Canon is likely to see growing demand for SLR in China despite the global economic recession, said Yoshioka, adding that there is still great growth potential in the Chinese market. In particular, Canon plans to boost its sales network in third- and fourth-tier Chinese cities.

The company has recorded growth of nearly 30% in China during the past few years and has become the country's biggest camera supplier. China is the company's third largest market after the U.S. and Japan.

SLR sales in China reached 752,000 units last year, representing a year-on-year growth of 52.2%, according to CCID Consulting Co Ltd<8235>.

Canon earlier also said it expected its camera sales in China to increase 20%.