TV panel prices still under heavy pressure in May, according to WitsView

Taipei, May 2, 2008—Amid the still present weak seasonality and uncertainties surrounding the global economies, the overall market atmosphere is a bit subdued, according to WitsView analysts. Although the monitor and NB shipments still grew respectively by 1.1 percent and 1.4 percent QoQ in 1Q08, due to an anticipated panel price rise, it can be seen it is not in response to a stronger end market demand. Thus, the monitor price increases that began in April have been moderate, and is expected to continue through 1HMay.
　
Meanwhile, given the downstream clients’ sufficient NB inventory and sales constrained by the shortage of relevant components, there is no pressing need of additional NB panels. Yet, given their relatively high profit margins, panel makers hope to at least initiate a gradual increase. Unfortunately, the major downstream clients are still very resistant to any price rise. Based on WitsView’s survey, NB panel prices will stay flat in 1HMay.
　
Finally, for TV panels, the weak seasonality resulted in shipments to drop by 10 percent QoQ. Despite the current 4-day Labor holidays in China, where a new wave of sales promotion is being conducted by both the local and international TV brands, along with the TV sales discounts in the North America market, the overall end market demand in 1HMay is still unclear. Panel prices are still under heavy pressure, where the drop in the above 40” will be more notable.

The 1HMay panel prices will be released on May 5 at www.witsview.com

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Media contact:
Lilia Huang
Tel: +886-2-7702-6888 ext.680
Mobile: +886-912-031-680
liliahuang {at} witsview(.)com
　

About WitsView

Founded in the year 2004, WitsView, a subsidiary brand of DRAMeXchange, is composed of a team of TFT-LCD industry experts. The research field covers the development and market trend of upstream components, mid stream panels and downstream system integrators and retailers.
For more about WitsView, please visit www.witsview.com.