The market for light-emitting diodes is set to grow significantly throughout the year despite an economic downturn, according to Chinese suppliers.

A survey of LED light fixture suppliers carried out by Global Sources revealed that 81 per cent believed that exports would grow at ten per cent or more over the coming year.

Some 67 per cent even predicted expert sales to be even higher, with expectations reaching 20 per cent or more.

The main driver for the export growth was cited as a growing range of LED-based lighting applications.

"The use of LEDs in functional everyday lighting is moving into the mainstream, especially in developed markets. This, in turn, is fuelling product development, with Greater China manufacturers seeking to gain an edge through improved performance and application flexibility, said report publisher Spenser Au.

The growth in lighting applications was mirrored in development plans, with 59 per cent of suppliers saying they were going to focus on general lighting applications, 22 per cent working on improving optical design, 11 per cent working to develop brighter output and eight per cent who said they were going to focus on decreasing deterioration rates.

Rapid Electronics are a leading UK supplier of electronic components, electrical products and industrial equipment to the Assembly Manufacturer sector.