Shipment volume of large-size TFT LCD panels hit a new high in July 2018
According to relevant data, in July 2018, the unit and area shipments of large-size thin-film transistor liquid crystal display (TFTLCD) panels both hit a new monthly high. According to data provided by IHS Markit, in July 2018, unit shipments of TFT LCD panels increased 10% year-on-year to 64.3 million units, while area shipments increased 19% to 17 million square meters in the same period.
'New production facilities from China, such as BOE’s 10.5 generation production line and CEC-Panda’s 8.6 generation production line, started mass production in the first half of this year. Since the second quarter of 2017 Since then, the output of the above-mentioned fabs has increased because their glass input and production growth rate have increased.” Robin Wu, chief analyst at IHS Markit, said. 'Despite the continuous increase in production, panel manufacturers continue to maintain the utilization rate of the production line, and try to reduce panel prices in the first half of 2018 to promote panel shipments, which is also one of the reasons for the continuous increase in panel shipments.'
Among them, LCD TV panels have become a major factor in the historical high of LCD panel shipments over 9 inches. According to the monitor market tracking report provided by IHS Markit, unit shipments of LCD TV panels increased by 15% year-on-year to 24.6 million, and area shipments increased by 21% to 13.3 million square meters.
Due to increased production capacity, panel manufacturers suffered from high TV panel inventory in the first half of 2018. Panel prices have been in a weak state for nearly a year, leading to a sharp drop in the profit margins of panel manufacturers. Wu said: “Therefore, before the third season when industry demand is strong, panel makers hope to clear inventory and raise panel prices again by then. This has also led to the rapid growth of TV panel shipments recently, which will further promote The overall large-size panel shipments reached a record high.' As panel makers hoped, LCD TV panel prices began to rebound in July 2018.
In July 2018, in terms of unit shipments, Chinese panel manufacturer BOE ranked first in the TFT LCD panel market with a market share of 24%; followed by LG Display with a market share of 19 %. However, in terms of area shipments, South Korea’s LG Display continues to lead with a market share of 20%, followed by BOE with a market share of 18%.
From: OFweek Display Network
