Asia Pacific
The Asia Pacific region, which excludes China, reported net sales of $1,130.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. Net sales decreased $44.5 million, or 3.8%, for the year ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the same period in 2013. In local currency, net sales decreased 2.4% for the year ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the same period in 2013. The fluctuation of foreign currency rates had an unfavorable impact of $16.3 million on net sales for the year ended December 31, 2014. The decrease in net sales for the year ended December 31, 2014 was driven primarily by declines in Malaysia, South Korea, and Indonesia, partially offset by increases in the Philippines, India, and Australia.
The Asia Pacific region saw a decline in the rate of net sales growth in 2014 as compared to 2013, continuing a declining net sales growth trend observed in 2013 as compared to 2012. The region saw continued slowing in its net sales growth as a result of Members adjusting to certain revisions to our operations and marketing plan designed to improve the training and retention of sales leaders, such as a shift in focus to our longer-term sales leader qualification method, expansion of the first order limitation program, and Member certification-of-understanding requirements for our standards on product and business opportunity claims.
Net sales in South Korea decreased $17.7 million, or 4.1%, for the year ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the same period in 2013. In local currency, net sales decreased 8.5% for the year ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the same period in 2013. The fluctuation of foreign currency rates had a favorable impact of $19.2 million on net sales for the year ended December 31, 2014. In the second half of 2014 South Korea was negatively impacted by a shift in emphasis toward cumulative Sales Leader qualification over 12 months, and away from one or two month qualification, as well as Sales Leader acclimation to other South Korea-specific Marketing Plan enhancements.
Net sales in India increased $11.9 million, or 8.2%, for the year ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the same period in 2013. In local currency, net sales increased 13.4% for the year ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the same period in 2013. The fluctuation of foreign currency rates had an unfavorable impact of $7.5 million on net sales for the year ended December 31, 2014. We have increased product access within the India market and supported the adoption of daily consumption DMOs, especially the Nutrition Club. The designation of India as a test market for launching first order limitations in 2013 and shifting to a focus on qualification by the 12 month cumulative approach also had a positive effect on 2014 sales.
Net sales in Taiwan decreased $10.5 million, or 7.2%, for the year ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the same period in 2013. In local currency, net sales decreased 5.3% for the year ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the same period in 2013. The fluctuation of foreign currency rates had an unfavorable impact of $2.7 million on net sales for the year ended December 31, 2014. Taiwan was negatively impacted by a shift in emphasis toward Sales Leader qualification over 12 months, and away from one or two month qualification.
Net sales in Indonesia decreased $17.4 million, or 13.9%, for the year ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the same period in 2013. In local currency, net sales decreased 1.1% for the year ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the same period in 2013. The fluctuation of foreign currency rates had an unfavorable impact of $16.1 million on net sales for the year ended December 31, 2014. Indonesia has been negatively impacted by a shift in emphasis toward Sales Leader qualification over 12 months, and away from one or two month qualification.
Net sales in Malaysia decreased $44.7 million, or 41.8%, for the year ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the same period in 2013. In local currency, net sales decreased 39.3% for the year ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the same period in 2013. The fluctuation of foreign currency rates had an unfavorable impact of $2.7 million on net sales for the year ended December 31, 2014. Areas of insufficient training during a period of strong growth in Nutrition Home Clubs contributed to a decline in the number and productivity of clubs. We are working with Member leadership in Malaysia to address these training issues.
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