Panel procurement momentum, which began in the fourth quarter of 2024, continues to strengthen in 2025, driven by four major factors. Industry experts believe that the first quarter of 2025 could see a strong off-season, while the second quarter remains uncertain. The market outlook for the second half of 2025 appears challenging, as inventory accumulation in the first half could potentially weaken the traditional peak season.
Benefiting from the rise of color e-paper, both E Ink and Netronix enjoyed a successful 2024, with significant revenue growth. However, both companies saw a sharp year-over-year decline in their revenues for January 2025—over 30% for E Ink and 40% for Netronix.
Taiwan-based polymer materials supplier U-Best Innovative Technology is experiencing steady growth in shipments of hard coat (HC) films for flexible displays as demand for foldable phones continues to rise.
The supply chain has reported that Apple recently initiated updates for its iPad and Mac product lines, primarily transitioning to Apple's own chips. As related suppliers have begun shipping in response to Apple's new product updates since December 2024, operations during the first quarter of 2025 are expected to not be as sluggish as typically anticipated.
GiantPlus expects a stronger 2025 as demand trends stabilize, despite a seasonal slowdown in the first quarter. Revenue is set to decline from the previous quarter but should stay in line with past first-quarter levels. The panel maker remains upbeat about the year ahead, though quarterly fluctuations may persist.
The combination of US tariff policies and rising LCD TV panel prices has driven increased demand for monitor panels, including from second-tier buyers. This heightened procurement activity has stabilized LCD monitor panel prices in January, with moderate increases anticipated for February.
Canada-based microLED startup VueReal has secured a US$40.5 million Series C funding round to expand its production capacity, strengthen its ecosystem, and scale up the manufacturing of its microLED and micro semiconductor solutions. The funding will enable its partners to accelerate the commercial adoption of microLED technology.
According to the latest Samsung Display financial results for 2024, the panel provider registered sales of KRW29.2 trillion (US$19.99 billion), marking only the second time since 2016 that its revenue dipped below KRW30 trillion, reflecting intensifying competition from Chinese manufacturers and declining demand for panels from both smartphones and IT products.
Following a double-digit increase in glass prices, Corning expects to maintain a 25% net profit margin for its Display Technologies business group in 2025.
China has been reported frequently to illegally acquire technology from South Korea in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) semiconductors and displays in the past few years. Moreover, with the advancement of South Korea's neural processing units (NPU), Chinese semiconductor firms have been actively recruiting engineers from South Korean companies or attempting to steal core technologies.
LG Electronics' Indian subsidiary experienced a revenue surge of almost 10% in 2024. The company remains on course with its plans to launch an IPO in India, aiming to take advantage of the market's expansion.
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