China panel makers estimate their TFT LCD production capacity could surpass that of Taiwan makers as early as 2017 to hold the global number two spot behind Korea, as they continue to invest in expansion coupled with conservative efforts from Taiwan makers to expand capacity.
China panel maker BOE's vice president Chikara Kuboshima, speaking at the Finetech Japan, noted that panel makers such as BOE, China Star Optoelectronics Technology (CSOT) and Tianma have seen some of the fastest capacity expansion in China, with BOE expected to hold 27% of global capacity in 2016 as well as account for 39% of capacity in China.
Additionally, BOE accounted for a 20% of global market share in handset LCDs and 31% for tablet LCDs in addition to 14% for monitors and 7% for TVs.
Kuboshima also emphasized that BOE along with other China makers are pushing expansion to meet expected demand in addition to innovation in order to maintain a competitive edge in the market as well as remain profitable as display pricing could drop by as much as 50% over the next 36 months.
BOE currently has over 30,000 patents, up from 5,000 in 2014, and allocated 8% of revenues to R&D, said Kuboshima, adding that BOE is already pushing 8K LCD display developments, available for viewing in 98- and 110-inch formats at the exhibition.
