LCD TV Panel Makers Imposed ‘Massive’ Q4 Price Hikes, Says DSCC

Persistently strong demand plus fears about a glass shortage emanating from last month’s power outage at Nippon Electric Glass in Takatsuki, Japan (see 2012210039), are pushing LCD TV panel prices upward this quarter, reported Display Supply Chain Consultants Monday. Samsung Display’s decision delaying its year-end exit from LCD panel production in South Korea (see 2010290025) is doing little to abate the price hikes, said DSCC. The industry experienced “massive” Q4 price increases sequentially from Q3, ranging up to 38% in 32- to 55-inch panel sizes, said DSCC. More modest increases of 19% for 65-inch and 8% for 75-inch reflected higher plant utilization for Gen 10.5 panel production, it said. Average LCD TV panel prices in Q1 will increase by another 9%, it said.