TV Panel Makers Began to Massively Reduce Capacities in September
October 7, 2019 | TrendForceEstimated reading time: 2 minutes
According to WitsView, a division of TrendForce, its latest survey showed that TV panel prices generally have been lower than the cash costs. Thus, panel makers' loss of money has continually expanded. Korean, Taiwanese and Chinese panel makers all started to lower their utilization rates (UT) of TV panel products from September on, in order to improve the severely unbalanced supply and demand and stabilize the prices.
Anita Wang, a senior research manager of TrendForce, pointed out, in this wave of capacity reduction, Korean panel makers decreased their capacities the most among panel makers. In particular, for Samsung Display (SDC), because TV brands' procurement demand has suddenly dropped in 4Q19, SDC has massively moved down its UT of Korean Gen. 7 and Gen. 8.5 fabs in September and October. SDC's Gen. 7 input is predicted to drop by more than 50% in September and October, and input of its Gen. 8.5 fabs is expected to fall by 30%-40%.
LG Display (LGD) plans to shut down some capacities of Gen. 7.5's Fab P7 and Gen. 8.5's Fab P8. The Fab P8 is projected at only have 25% of capacity by the end of 2019, and its Fab P7 is rumored to shut down one-third of capacity in October.
A Taiwanese panel maker, AUO began to reduce its input in Gen. 8.5's Fab 8A and Gen. 6's Fab 6B. Particularly, the Fab 8A's input is estimated at only 50% remained in 4Q19 primarily because of the 55" panel prices and bad demand. Its Fab 6B is predicted to reduce by 20% of input in 4Q19 because it moved down the input of 65".
China's panel makers also suffered from TV panel segment's loss of money. However, their capacity reduction scales have been lower than that of their rivals. CSOT modified its machinery in Gen. 8.5's Fab T2. Therefore, from September to the end of 2019, the input of Fab T2 is expected to drop by 20%. Gen. 10.5's fab in Hefei of BOE Technology (BOE) and CEC-CHOT's Gen. 8.6 fab both reduce their input by around 20% until the end of 2019. Sharp's Gen. 10.5 fab in Guangzhou temporarily paused its plan to enter mass production phase in 2019 because TV's market demand has been weak.
China's large-sized panel input by area surpassed that of Korea, and China's share might reach nearly 50% in 2020
By regional large-sized panel input by area, Korean panel makers massively shut down several fabs in 2019. By contrast, China's panel makers increase their capacity. Therefore, China's share of large-sized glass input by area grows to 42.3%. China is now the region whose input by area is the largest in the world. This figure is projected at nearly 50% in 2020.
About TrendForce
TrendForce is a global provider of the latest development, insight, and analysis of the technology industry. Having served businesses for over a decade, the company has built up a strong membership base of 435,000 subscribers. TrendForce has established a reputation as an organization that offers insightful and accurate analysis of the technology industry through five major research divisions: DRAMeXchange, WitsView, LEDinside, EnergyTrend and Topology. Founded in Taipei, Taiwan in 2000, TrendForce has extended its presence in China since 2004 with offices in Shenzhen and Beijing.
Testimonial
"We’re proud to call I-Connect007 a trusted partner. Their innovative approach and industry insight made our podcast collaboration a success by connecting us with the right audience and delivering real results."
Julia McCaffrey - NCAB GroupSuggested Items
Integrating Uniplate PLBCu6 with the Digital Factory Suite
09/12/2025 | Giovanni Obino and Andreas Schatz, MKS' AtotechPrinted circuit board manufacturing is rapidly changing, driven by miniaturization, stringent reliability requirements, and growing pressure for sustainable production. Meeting these challenges requires more than incremental improvements; it demands a combination of precise equipment and real-time process intelligence. The pairing of Uniplate® PLBCu6 with the Digital Factory Suite (DFS) demonstrates how hardware and software can work together to create more responsive, resource-efficient manufacturing.
Machvision Leads Shift to Automated Inline Final Inspection, AOI in North America
09/10/2025 | Ralph Jacobo, all4-PCBSchweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) chose Machvision inspection equipment due to its capabilities and versatility. Machvision of Taiwan offers circuit inspection, hole inspection and measurement, IC Substrate and HDI inspection, and final visual inspection solutions. The best fit for SEL was the 4.0Pro Circuit Inspection for inner and outer layers, and the AFI6 for final visual inspection of finished panels.
Driving Innovation: Depth Routing Processes—Achieving Unparalleled Precision in Complex PCBs
09/08/2025 | Kurt Palmer -- Column: Driving InnovationIn PCB manufacturing, the demand for increasingly complex and miniaturized designs continually pushes the boundaries of traditional fabrication methods, including depth routing. Success in these applications demands not only on robust machinery but also sophisticated control functions. PCB manufacturers rely on advanced machine features and process methodologies to meet their precise depth routing goals. Here, I’ll explore some crucial functions that empower manufacturers to master complex depth routing challenges.
Securing the Future: The Battle for America's Flat Panel Display Industry
08/12/2025 | Marcy LaRont, I-Connect007The production and sourcing of flat panel displays have become a focal point of concern, particularly regarding national security. In this interview, Jim Will, executive director of the U.S. Partnership for Assured Electronics (USPAE), provides insights into the essential role of liquid crystal displays (LCDs) in both defense systems and everyday technology. Their conversation delves into the implications of America's dependence on Chinese manufacturers for these critical components, raising alarms about supply chain vulnerabilities amidst rising geopolitical tensions.
Omdia Forecasts Large-Area Display Shipments to Grow 2.9% YoY in 2025 Despite Economic Uncertainty
07/21/2025 | BUSINESS WIREAccording to the latest analysis from Omdia’s Large-area display market tracker – 2Q25 with 1Q25 results, large-area display (above 9-inch) unit shipments are forecast to increase by 2.9% year-over-year (YoY) in 2025.