Shipments of large-size TFT-LCD panel (10-inch and above) from Taiwan's second largest panel maker Chi Mei Optoelectronics (CMO) are estimated to be almost on par with those from fellow competitor AU Optronics (AUO) in the first quarter this year because of rush orders from China, according to market sources.
CMO estimates its first-quarter large-size panel shipments to grow 5-10% to 11.92-12.48 million units, while AUO estimates its large-size panel shipments to decrease by 15-20% to 12.06-12.82 million units in the same quarter, the sources added.
According to Digitimes Research, CMO is benefiting more from the China government's program for promoting electronics products in the country's rural areas, as the company has better ties with China's industry players compared to AUO.
CMO's large-size panel shipments exceeded AUO's in January, with CMO shipping 3.41 million units while AUO shipped 3.23 million units.
Overall, Taiwan large-size LCD panel shipments in the first quarter are expected to drop 7.8% sequentially to 30.61 million units, the sources noted.
Article translated by Yvonne Yu
