Usa: Frame Market Remains Soft in Q2 2004

In the U.S., the frame market appeares to remain soft. The Q2 2004 Vca frame shipments data indicated a mixed market performance: slightly up in volume, yet, slightly down in value.

Year-to-date, Vca frame shipments grew by 0.9 percent in volume but fell 0.4 percent in value. This was driven by the dipping frame prices (the average price dropped by 1.3 percent from last year's level).

Due to the price advantage of non-brand frames, these products remained strong, gaining five market share points from the previous quarter.