LED TVs cheaper on rupee gain; home appliances dearer

The rupee’s appreciation against the dollar by four-five per cent has prompted flat-panel television makers, especially those who make light-emitting diode (LED) TVs, to cut prices of their products by an equal proportion. 

Since January, the rupee has appreciated to 64.5 from 67.9 against the dollar. An appreciation of the rupee against the dollar makes imports cheaper, giving makers of durables the room to slash prices. A depreciation, on the other hand, compels them to increase prices since imports become dearer.

A substantial proportion of components — between 50 per cent and 90 per cent in TVs and home appliances — is