LCD panel prices will continue moving upward in second-quarter 2021 after making significant gains in the first quarter, as the supply remains constrained due to shortages of crucial upstream parts and materials, including glass substrates and LCD driver ICs, according to industry sources.
The current market demand for LCD panels is far greater than the supply due to robust end-market demand for IT devices needed to support remote work and study, said Paul Peng, chairman of AU Optronics (AUO).
Even vaccinations have begun to implement in many countries, governments around the globe continue promoting digital transformation, further pushing up demand for related IT products, said Peng.
Jim Hung, chairman of Innolux, said that the overall order visibility for the LCD panel industry has extended to the end of 2021, and the tight supply will continue pushing up TV panel prices.
Quotes for 32-inch LCD TV panels will rise another US$4 in April after reaching US$78 in March, and that for 43-inch ones to advance US$5 reaching US$133 in the month, according to China-based Sigmaintell Consulting.
Prices of 50-inch TV panels will hike by US$8 to reach US$189 in April and those for 55-inch ones will move up to US$211 from the US$200 seen a month earlier.
Quotes for 65- and 75-inch TV panels are likely to reach US$264 and US$366, respectively, in April, with prospects to remain in upward spirals in the second quarter, said the consulting firm.
Sigmaintell also estimates the ASP for 21.5-inch LCD open-cell modules for monitors will rise by US$3 on month to US$58 in April, compared to a corresponding gain of US$3 to US$65 for 23.8-inch IPS modules and a hike of US$4 to US$62.5 for the exact sizes of open-cell ones. Quotes for 27-inch IPS modules are to go up to US$2.5 to US$82.9.
It estimates 14-inch HD TN panel modules for Chromebooks will advance to US$37.6 in April from US$35.8 a month earlier, and mainstream 14-inch and 15.6-inch IPS panel modules for notebooks could rise by US$1.5 to US$45.4 and US$47.5, respectively, in April.
