The output value for the flat panel key components industry in Taiwan during the third quarter of 2013 reached NT$135.8 billion (US$4.59 billion), up 1.3% on quarter, according to research firm IEK.
The color filter industry output value was down 8.8% in the third quarter due to limited panel sales in the TV segment, as well as lower-than-expected sales of high-end small- to medium-size panels.
The Taiwan polarizer segment meanwhile saw increased shipments to panel makers in China, but only grew 0.6% sequentially due to weak panel demand in the market, said IEK. The value output in the segment reached NT$25.97 billion.
Additionally, the glass substrate industry in Taiwan grew 1.1% on quarter to NT$40.13 billion while the backlighting module industry reached an output value of NT$43.86 billion, up 8.96% on quarter, largely due to tablet demand, IEK added.
Looking ahead to the fourth quarter of 2013, IEK estimated the output value for the Taiwan flat panel key components industry will drop 2.5% on quarter, with color filter, polarizer and glass substrate shipments all expected to drop.
The color filter industry is expected to reach an output value of NT$23.2 billion during the fourth quarter, while the polarizer industry will reach NT$24.73 billion, down 4.8% on quarter, and the glass substrate industry will reach an output value of NT$38.37 billion, down 4.4% on quarter. IEK added that the output value for the backlighting industry, however, will grow 3.6% to NT$45.46 billion.
