TrendForce has released the latest panel quotations for late April. The upward trend in TV is beginning to stabilize due to the increased supply capacity; monitor (MNT) panel prices continue to rise in April as the demand remains strong; for notebook (NB) panel, amid challenges in forming a consensus for price increases, NB panel prices continue to hover at the bottom.
More details are as follows:
In April, signs of weakening demand for television panels have emerged, particularly evident in the weakening demand for TVs sized 55 inches and below. Only large-size TV panels of 65-inch and above continue to be supported by subsequent peak-season promotional stocking demands.
Meanwhile, panel manufacturers continue to operate at relatively high capacity levels. With increased supply capacity, the upward trend in panel prices is beginning to stabilize. In April, the expected price increases for TV panels include 1 USD for 32-inch, 43-inch and 50-inch; 2 USD for 55-inch; 4~5 USD for 65-inch and 75-inch.
Driven by the price increases in TV panels, the MNT panel sector has seen panel manufacturers actively negotiating with customers in hopes of improving the profitability of MNT panels. Starting from March, they have successfully raised the prices of MNT panels.
Entering April, demand for consumer-grade models from some customers remains strong. The extended shipping times caused by the shipping crisis have forced some customers to increase inventory levels and stock up earlier. Additionally, the risk of capacity constraints due to the improved demand for TV panels still exists.
Therefore, it is expected that MNT panel prices will continue to rise in April, with the possibility of further expansion in price increases. For Open Cell panels, the prices for mainstream sizes like 23.8 inch and 27 inch are expected to rise by 0.7 USD. As for panel modules, the 21.5-inch and 23.8-inch are projected to increase by 0.5 USD, while the 27-inch is expected to increase by 0.4 USD.
After passing through the off-season in the first quarter, NB panel demand from brands remains weak entering April, without the expected strong rebound.
Due to this weak demand, there is a noticeable disparity among panel manufacturers regarding their stance on price increases. This disparity makes it challenging for panel manufacturers to create a rising price trend similar to that seen in TV and MNT panels. With a consensus on price increases difficult to form, NB panel prices continue to hover at a low point.
Looking at April, it is expected that only TN panel models, due to their lower prices, may see a slight increase of around 1 USD. IPS panel models are mostly expected to remain stable, while 16:10 panel models are anticipated to stay flat or decrease slightly by up to 0.2 USD.
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