32-inch TV panels shortage expected in 2013

PanARMENIAN.Net - Because Taiwan-based makers have plans to stop producing 32-inch TV panels and South Korea-based makers will reduce output, there will most likely be a shortage of 32-inch TV panels in 2013, according to market observers, DigiTimes reported.

Panel makers for the most part are swapping out old technology, which is bringing down production capacity while demand is expected to rise in 2013, said the observers.

Panel makers and TV vendors believe that most TVs sold from 2013 onwards will be 40-inch and above, particularly in mature economies. Although TV panel production is growing in China, most of the China-based panel makers' 32-inch panel production will not suffice to meet global demand until roughly 2014, which will add to the expected shortage of the panels in 2013, said the observers.

Meanwhile, due to peak demand for LCD TVs in the fourth quarter, prices for 32-, 39-, 40- and 46-inch TV panels are expected to rise by an average of US$3 in November, but are expected to remain steady in December.