U.S. CD sales data shows conflicting trends in 2024, with Luminate reporting a 19.1% year-over-year decline while RIAA indicates a 3.3% growth for H1 2024.

Key Statistics:

• Luminate Data: 22.2 million CD sales in 2024 (down 19.1% from 27.4 million in 2023)
• RIAA H1 2024 Data: 16.8 million CD sales (up 3.3% from 16.2 million in H1 2023)
• RIAA Revenue: $236.7 million (up 0.3% from $236 million)

The significant data discrepancy can be attributed to Luminate's methodology changes implemented in early 2024. These changes:

• Modified tracking systems for independent retail stores
• Resulted in the exclusion of some local record store sales data
• Were adjusted again in late April 2024

Billboard has acknowledged these methodology changes through a disclaimer, stating the new system "more accurately represents the independent retail market" but lacks comparable historical data for year-over-year trends in physical sales.

The contrasting reports raise important questions about:

• The accuracy of current sales tracking methods
• The reliability of historical data comparisons
• The true state of physical music sales in the U.S. market

This data controversy follows similar discrepancies in vinyl sales reporting, suggesting a need for more consistent and transparent tracking methods in physical music sales.

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