Smartphone and tablet demand is expected to increase drastically in August and September 2013, which is expected to put a crunch on panel supply throughout the third quarter of the year.
In 2013, smartphone shipments are expected to reach 400 million units, up 80% on year, with growth stemming largely from the China market.
China is expected to see strong smartphone and tablet sales in July and August, and demand is expected to continue throughout September as well as October when the country's October 1 holiday period takes place, said Truly Opto-electronics general manager Jian-Hua Lee. The demand is expected to put a crunch on panel demand during the period as well as related supply chains, Lee added.
The crunch is already expected to last until the first half of 2014, sources from the supply chain said, adding that entry-level smartphones are expected to be in huge demand.
Article translated by Alex Wolfgram
