Chinese panel manufacturer BOE has recently announced the construction of its 8.6G IT OLED production line, known as B16. This development has significantly benefited numerous South Korean equipment manufacturers. In a recent report, South Korean manufacturer Wonik IPS has reportedly secured an order for polyimide (PI) curing equipment for BOE's B16 production line.

South Korea's imports of panel manufacturing equipment soared tenfold in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, reaching approximately US$315 million. This dramatic increase is primarily attributed to Samsung Display's (SDC) substantial investment in 8.6G OLED technology.

E Ink Holdings (E Ink), a leading e-paper company, is aggressively advancing its color e-paper products. In consumer applications, demand for e-readers and e-paper notebooks remains strong, while e-paper technology expands into laptops and phones, with various brands adopting or showcasing concept products.

Glass substrates have become a critical strategic element in fan-out panel level packaging (FOPLP), a technology that TSMC and various backend houses are developing.

Although still leading in OLED panel production globally, South Korea now faces a fierce challenge from China's rapidly advancing display panel industry and this shift has sent shockwaves through South Korea's tech sector, prompting urgent calls from Korean experts for government support and increased investment to maintain its competitive edge.

In the small and medium-sized OLED panel sector widely used in smartphones, tablets, and other IT devices, Samsung Display (SDC)'s emphasis on the US market is increasing significantly. In 2023, the US market already accounted for more than half of SDC's overall revenue, offsetting the sluggish performance in the Chinese market.

Taiwanese optoelectronics specialist AUO is accelerating its "dual-axis" transformation with AI, according to chairman Paul Peng.

LG Display (LGD) is in the process of selling its 8.5-generation LCD factory in Guangzhou, China, where TCL CSOT has reportedly offered a higher bid than BOE. If LGD successfully sold its Guangzhou factory it could improve LGD's performance in the second half of 2024 and accelerate investment in 8.6-generation OLED production lines for IT devices.

As the LED industry gets out from a slump, Tyntek is expected to recover from losses since the industry benefits from the traditional peak season in the second quarter.

Sharp's large-size LCD panel factory, Sakai Display Product (SDP), located in Osaka, Japan, is set to close by the end of September 2024. Sharp has offered an early retirement plan for the factory's employees, affecting approximately 500 people.

Glass substrate prices are expected to rise in the third quarter of 2024, reflecting the depreciation of the Japanese yen, the tight supply-demand balance, and profits made by some panel makers, according to industry sources.