Panel quotes are expected to continue rising in the second quarter of 2023 with those of LCD TV panels, after experiencing a surging increase in March, estimated to climb up further in April. Prices for IT panels will also have a good chance to ramp up slightly from before in April with a recovery in end demand, according to sources from the panel supply chain.
LCD TV panel makers were all keen on raising product prices in March as they had been suffering from losses for many months and are expected to stay aggressive with their quotes in April in a bid to turn profitable.
LCD monitor panels have seen increasing orders since March with demand for the second quarter growing more optimistic and related order visibility extending. Shipments of LCD monitor panels are expected to rise 15% from a quarter ago in the second quarter.
Demand for LCD monitors mainly comes from China's Internet cafes after the government lifted the COVID-19 restrictions. Sales of gaming LCD monitor panels are particularly strong.
With China's retail channel almost finished clearing its inventory, orders for panels have been picking up recently, while local LCD monitor brands are also keenly preparing inventory for the upcoming 618 promotions campaigns.
Thanks to robust demand, some panel makers are seeking to raise their LCD monitor panel prices, but so far only the prices of small-size VA monitor panels and VA gaming LCD monitor panels will have a chance to grow in April, according to the estimation of China-based research firm Sigmaintell, adding that IPS gaming LCD monitor panel prices are still unlikely to rise.
Demand for notebook panels remains feeble at the moment despite brand vendors' keen inventory correction since the second half of 2022. Although most brand vendors expect the first quarter to be the bottom of 2023 and the second half of the year will perform better than the first half, the recovery is likely to be slow, said the sources, noting that notebook panel prices are expected to stay steady in April, but high-end ones with high refresh rates have continued to witness price slashes.
Article translated by Joseph Tsai
