[News] TrendForce: China’s Trade-In Policy Continues, Driving January TV Panel Price Increases

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According to TrendForce’s  January 2025 panel price report, released on January 20, TV panel prices have been driven by robust demand, while monitor and laptop panel prices remain stable.

TV Panels

TrendForce notes that China’s trade-in policy will extend through 2025, stabilizing domestic TV demand in January. Demand for ultra-large TV panels is particularly strong, and panel manufacturers are prioritizing capacity allocation to meet this need. Additionally, Lunar New Year factory maintenance is not expected to significantly impact production.

With strong demand for TV panels and reports of supply constraints in polarizer production, panel manufacturers have greater leverage to raise TV panel prices.

Estimated January price changes: 32-inch and 43-inch panels: +$1, 50-inch panels: no change, 55-inch panels: +$1, 65-inch panels: +$2, 75-inch panels: +$3, 85-inch panels: +$4.

Monitor Panels

TrendForce notes that Q1 2025 demand for monitor panels is roughly in line with Q4 2024 levels, indicating stable, albeit subdued, demand. The rise in TV panel prices may create a ripple effect, leading to potential capacity reallocation between TV and monitor panels. This could foster a more favorable environment for monitor panel demand and pricing stability.

Given the alignment between buyers and sellers on maintaining price stability, January monitor panel prices are expected to remain flat.

Laptop Panels

Laptop panel demand has been influenced by trade tariff uncertainties. Since December 2024, some brands have increased inventory in anticipation of potential policy changes under the Trump administration, but the lack of clarity on actual policy direction has led most panel makers to focus on maintaining stable prices.

While some brands have shown short-term demand growth, post-March demand momentum will depend on subsequent U.S. policy developments. Consequently, both buyers and sellers remain cautious, with January laptop panel prices expected to stay flat.

Earthquake Impact

On January 21, a magnitude 6.4 earthquake struck Chiayi, Taiwan. TrendForce notes that Tainan, home to major panel maker Innolux, hosts key facilities including Fab2, Fab3, Fab5, Fab6, and Fab7, while nearby Kaohsiung houses Fab8, Fab8b, and T6.

Given the age of these facilities and the significant seismic intensity, some Tainan plants experienced equipment shutdowns. Damage assessments are ongoing. The earthquake is expected to put additional pressure on already tight Q1 TV panel supply.

(Photo credit: BOE)