Language services for the electronics industry, particularly consumer electronics translation, are an important component of McElroy’s business. We are happy to see an uptick in electronics translation demand as sales increase in 2010 for many segments of the electronics industry and trade between the U.S. and foreign markets remains active. Translations are provided for manufacturers of computers and accessories, televisions, sound systems, telecommunications, and camera and video equipment.
U.S. export reforms may particularly help many U.S. electronics manufacturers. An August 2010 article1 on IPC’s website offers a brief overview of relevant electronics industries export changes. With the new system, electronics with direct warfare applications will be more tightly controlled, BUT controls on electronic products in the bottom tier will be loosened or eliminated. This is a great opportunity for many U.S. electronic products firms to begin or increase sales in non-domestic markets.
How important is electronics trade within the U.S. economy? A sampling of notable statistics says it all2:
- 2 of the top 10 exports from the United States and 4 of the top 10 imports into the United States are electronics products.
- Computer and electronic goods are the top exports to Mexico and second-largest imports from Mexico.
- Although a small segment in dollars, audio and visual recording media were the second fastest growing segment of U.S. export trade in 2009.
- Exports and imports of camera and video equipment have both increased over 20% through July 2010 compared to the first seven months of 2009.
Examples of the types of language services McElroy provides for clients in the electronic products industry:
Computer Parts and Accessories
This is a significant trade market for U.S. firms. After a decrease for most of 2009, fourth quarter 2009 figures showed a marked increase in computers and related hardware exports. Items requiring computer or components translation include licensing or distribution agreements, legal protection of trademarks and new technologies, and communications and guidelines for manufacturing. Additionally, marketing and product information require a specialized combination of localization language skills.
Home Entertainment Equipment
U.S. trade in 2010 for televisions and other home entertainment electronics, particularly photographic equipment, is up. Mexico is the source of 99.5% of all plasma TVs imported into the United States, and over half of all TVs exported from the United States are bound for China. User manuals, product information, and packaging and labeling have historically generated significant demand for localization. McElroy maintains current technology expertise in this field, having served several consumer electronics clients for well over a decade.
Telecommunications Equipment
In both the top 10 list of U.S. product imports ($37 billion) and exports ($29 billion) for 2009,3 this industry has many language services needs. McElroy serves both the B2B and B2C markets in telecom translation services. Infrastructure information, system requirements, user manuals, installation and service guides, print and online product information, marketing materials and legal and business documents are examples of the broad range of telecommunications translation McElroy provides.
References
- Ron Chamrin, IPC manager of government relations: http://blog.ipc.org/2010/08/31/electronics-companies-most-likely-to-benefit-by-changes-in-u-s-export-controls/.
- Office of Technology and Electronic Commerce, U.S. Computer Equipment Trade Summary: 2009.
- Joint report, U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services, issued by U.S. Census Bureau and U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, June 10, 2010.