Taiwan’s LED gross output value could soar at double digit rates in 2015 as local suppliers seek out various application sectors to boost shipments, said Taiwan’s LED Lighting Industry Association (TLLIA).

The output of the local LED industry is expected to grow 15% to an estimated US $5.4 billion in 2015, projected David Su, head of TLLIA. Su is also the chairman of LED chip maker Lextar.

Local LED suppliers are expanding their presence in other lighting application sectors, such as automobile lighting, advertisements, and architectural lighting, said Su. Taiwanese manufacturers are extending their reach beyond LED lighting to create more revenue sources, he added.

Taiwanese LED suppliers have prided in their world-class production technology, but the lack of cooperation mechanisms among manufacturers to compete against foreign rivals indicate there is a lot of competition among local manufacturers in the global market.

Founded in 2012, TLLIA main aim is to unite local LED firms to counter internationally competitive rivals from Japan, U.S. and Europe.

Nearly 90% of the association’s members are downstream LED manufacturers, the association has been trying to boost members competitiveness to seize international business opportunities, and offers recommendations to the government on how to strengthen LED industry.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs has been preparing to lead local LED firms to penetrate emerging Southeast Asian market.

To assist Taiwanese LED exporters business, the government is negotiating with Taiwan’s trade partners the possibility of lowering tariff barriers, the ministry added.