Open cell TV panels sized 32-inch are in short supply due to recent demand in Africa, North America and Europe, and are likely to be in tight supply until the end of 2014, according panel makers.
The sources said demand is picking up but that panel supply is tight due to most makers shifting production away from 32-inch units to larger-sizes, leaving China Star Optoelectronics Technology (CSOT), LG Display and Samsung Display left as the main suppliers.
LG and CSOT reportedly have steady shipments of the panel size at 1.3-1.4 million units a month, with Samsung at roughly one million, the sources indicated. However, the amount is currently only enough to supply approximately 60-70% of demand in the market, the sources added.
Throughout the rest of 2014, most TV vendors and panel makers look to promote larger-sizes and high-end products such as Ultra HD in order to maintain higher profit margins, and there is no clear indication that makers will allocate more production to 32-inch.
Market observers meanwhile commented they believe 32-inch products still remain an important size in the market, as roughly 33% of TVs sold in China are that size, and will continue to maintain steady sales in emerging markets.
The observers also said the current shortage has caused 32-inch open cell TV panel pricing to rise in recent months, with market trends indicating the pricing will continue to rise from its current US$79-82.
