LCD TV panel shipments from global panel makers reached 23.9 million in March 2015, growing 20% on month and 11% on year, according to IHS.
Panel shipments declined seasonally in the first quarter of 2015 because most LCD TV modules are manufactured in China and the Lunar New Year holidays in February meant fewer working days in LCD cell fabs in Asia and LCD module lines in China. Meanwhile, as the LCD TV panel supply-demand balance shifted from tightness to oversupply, TV makers have started to reduce orders, especially for older models. However, positive on-year growth is still expected, especially since there was such a strong rebound for LCD TV panel shipments in March.
"Although the LCD TV panel demand has shown signs of slowing after the holidays, leading TV brands are preparing their new models for launch, so orders are not diminished," said Yoonsung Chung, director of large area display research for IHS. "Meanwhile, panel makers are aggressively introducing 4K resolution, wide color gamut, ultra-slim bezels and other new features, to improve panel shipment growth"
While LCD TV panel shipments reached 253 million units in 2014, panel makers are aggressively targeting 261 million units for 2015. "Demand will slow, beginning in the second quarter of 2015, and panel prices are already starting to fall, so TV panel shipments may face some growth challenges in the coming months," Chung said.
Article translated by Alex Wolfgram
