"On the contrary, the Taiwanese IP camera industry has encountered vastly different fates, due largely in part to the rise of Chinese counterparts," says Elaine Chang, industry analyst with MIC.

"With technology and experience built from ground up in the domestic market, Chinese IP camera makers have aggressive plans to expand overseas, thereby pressuring Taiwanese counterparts further."

Consequently, the Taiwanese industry shipped a total of 2.74 million IP cameras in the second half of 2015, down 3.7% year-on-year. Taiwan's global share slid amid global boom in 2015. To sustain IP camera ASP (Average Selling Price), Taiwanese IP camera makers have started to develop new product positioning in their effort to soften the impact brought by Chinese counterparts.

Hence, IP camera ASP decline slowed down in 2015 to around US$98.6, down 8.4% year-on-year. In 2015, shipment value of the industry stood at US$498.6 million, representing a 4.8% year-on-year decline.

When it comes to product specifications, as predicted, 1MP models have become mainstream consumer IP cameras in the second half of 2015. 2MP (1080p) resolution is a mainstream for professional IP cameras.

Looking ahead to 2016, Taiwanese makers are expected to place focus on streamlining product features and stability, and building their ability to offer customization to best meet the needs of customers in a bid to fend off low-cost competition.

They have also worked hard on expanding vertical applications of IoT (Internet of Things) such as smart retail, smart transportation, and smart manufacturing as well as emerging markets.

With the global IP camera market continuing to be buoyant, it is anticipated that the Taiwanese industry will regain momentum based on broadened product portfolios in 2016, witnessing 7.8% growth year-on-year.

Figure 1