The price of LED light bulbs that are used to replace traditional 40W bulbs has reached close to US$10-12/unit in both Taiwan and South Korea. Industry sources noted that the price difference of 10W LED and energy-saving light bulbs will narrow to NT$100 (US$3.34) at the end of 2012 or beginning of 2013.
Industry sources indicated that the LED lighting industry has been hoping to increase penetration rate rapidly, and hence has been eager to lower prices. However, the price of 60W retrofit LED light bulbs continues to be high.
The brightness of 40W retrofit LED light bulb is around 450 lumens and the product has been replacing 13W energy-saving light bulbs due to increasing awareness of energy consumption and rising electricity prices, said industry sources.
The price of 60W retrofit LED light bulbs (equivalent to 10W LED light bulbs) from international brands has been around US$24-25/unit. Nevertheless, South Korea-based firms have been pricing the product at US$16/unit. Industry sources added that according to Samsung's business strategies, the firm plans to push the price of 60W retrofit LED light bulbs down to US$12/unit at the end of 2012.
The market believes if the price difference between 10W LED light bulbs and energy-saving light bulbs can narrow to NT$100 reaching the sweet spot, demand to adopt LED light bulbs for indoor lighting will increase significantly.
Retrofit LED light bulbs expected to gain popularity
