Brace Yourself for Higher TV Prices in 2025

Manufacturers' Dilemma

Avneet Singh Marwah, the chief executive officer of Super Plastronics Pvt., which holds the exclusive brand license for Thomson and Kodak, has pointed out that the ongoing geopolitical tensions have led to a significant 30–35% jump in freight rates. This, coupled with the all-time low of the Indian rupee against the USD, is further adding to the cost burden for manufacturers. As a result, there will undoubtedly be a price increase of around 10% for smart TVs starting from 2025.

These cost pressures are not limited to a single manufacturer. Videotex International, a contract manufacturer for brands like Lloyd, Realme, Toshiba, and Daiwa, is also closely observing the fluctuations in material and shipping costs. According to its director, Arjun Bajaj, depending on market conditions, they anticipate increases of 7–10%.

Impact on Consumers

The rising costs for manufacturers are likely to be passed on to consumers. With the expected 10% hike in smart TV prices, consumers will have to dig deeper into their pockets to purchase these devices. This comes at a time when many people are already looking to upgrade their televisions or purchase a new one for their homes.

However, it's not just the price increase that consumers will have to deal with. The supply chain disruptions caused by the pandemic have also led to shortages in certain models and brands. This means that consumers may have to wait longer to get the television they want, or they may have to settle for a different model than they originally intended.

Future Outlook

Looking ahead, it's unclear how long these cost increases will continue. The geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions are still ongoing, and there is no clear sign of them easing in the near future. This means that consumers can expect to see continued price hikes for televisions in the coming months and years.

Manufacturers, on the other hand, will need to find ways to manage these costs and keep their businesses afloat. This may involve finding new suppliers, negotiating better deals with existing suppliers, or finding ways to streamline their operations to reduce costs. Only time will tell how they will be able to navigate these challenging times.