TrendForce’s late-November panel price update indicates an ongoing decrease in TV panel prices, influenced by subdued demand and ongoing negotiations. In contrast, prices for mainstream-sized MNT and NB panels remain steady.

• TV Panel

Entering the fourth quarter, TV panel shipments have noticeably weakened, with continuous price negotiations between buyers and sellers. Major TV brands have been consistently adjusting order demands since the latter half of the third quarter.

Faced with sluggish demand, panel manufacturers are attempting to slow down the decline in panel prices by expanding the scale of production cuts. The expected decline in TV panel prices for the entire month of November is anticipated to be comparable to the early estimates of the month.

Specifically, 32″, 43″, 50″, and 55″ panels are expected to decrease by USD 2 dollars, while 65″ and 75″ panels are expected to decrease by USD 3 dollars, and 85″ panels are expected to decrease by USD 5 dollars by the end of this month.

• MNT Panel

Entering the fourth quarter, there is a noticeable decline in demand for MNT panels. Some brand customers are beginning to request a reduction in panel prices. However, panel manufacturers are attempting to alleviate the overall price pressure by adjusting product combinations.

Mainstream specification panel prices are holding steady, with a slight decrease in prices for high-end specification panels.

It is anticipated that the prices of mainstream-sized MNT panels will remain stable in November, while larger-sized high-end models may experience a potential decline.

• NB Panel

Entering the fourth quarter, there is a sustained weakening in demand for NB (Notebook) panels. There is a significant divergence in pricing perspectives between buyers and sellers.

Some brand customers believe that panel prices should start to decline, while panel manufacturers insist on maintaining stable prices. However, panel manufacturers are inclined to provide certain purchasing-scale customers with private concessions.

Therefore, it is expected that NB panel prices will remain stable in November at the current stage.

Read more

• [Insights] Early November Price Update: TV Panels Drop, Monitor and NB Panels Steady

TV panel prices have reached relatively high levels after nearly two-quarters of increases. Brand customers face the dual pressures of weak demand and rising procurement costs, leading to early adjustments in their purchasing strategies. Third-quarter TV panel procurement has been revised down from the previous estimated 6-7% quarterly growth to near-flat levels. Fourth-quarter demand is also expected to decrease, requiring panel manufacturers to prepare for the off-season. Panel prices are anticipated to stabilize in late September.

Monitor panel demand surged in the second quarter, but third-quarter shipments are only expected to grow by 1~2%. As we approach the fourth quarter, brand customers will feel more pressure to adjust their demand. After a few months of slight price increases, monitor panel prices are expected to stabilize across the board in September.

Notebook panel demand peaked in August of the third quarter and is expected to dip slightly in September. However, overall third-quarter shipments are set to grow slightly compared to the second quarter. Some panel manufacturers aim to maintain price increases. With major brands increasing safety stock levels or working toward year-end goals, a marginal USD 0.1 increase in notebook panel prices is expected in September.

In the realm of TV panels, after experiencing consecutive growth for two quarters, brand customers are increasingly feeling the pressure of rising procurement costs. Additionally, with the momentum for year-end promotions gradually winding down, brand customers are preparing to adjust their TV panel purchases, with these adjustments expected to gradually reflect in price trends over the coming months. Looking at TV panel prices in September, it is currently projected that 32-inch and 43-inch prices will remain stable, while 50-inch and 55-inch models will see a $1 increase, and 65-inch and 75-inch models will see a $3 increase. Compared to the previous months, price increases are expected to show significant convergence.

On the monitor panel front, demand in the commercial sector continues to be weak, and brand customers in the consumer sector are gradually reducing their procurement needs. Furthermore, they are adopting a more conservative outlook for fourth-quarter demand, resulting in a shrinking price increase potential. While there is still some room for minor upward adjustments in prices for certain lower-priced models, overall, the trend of continuous price increases witnessed in recent months is expected to cease. It is currently anticipated that monitor panel prices in September will remain stable across the board.

Turning our attention to notebook panels, overall demand has reached its peak. However, panel manufacturers remain proactive in pushing for higher panel prices. When it comes to specifications, demand for lower-tier TN models is still relatively stronger compared to mid to high-tier IPS models. Consequently, there is a possibility of TN panel prices maintaining their previous months’ upward trend, while IPS panels also have a chance of seeing price increases in September due to the active efforts of panel manufacturers. It is currently projected that lower-tier TN models may see a $0.2 increase in September, while mid to high-tier IPS models may see a $0.1 increase.

August Sees TV Demand Fluctuations

Entering August, the TV brand demands echo with noise. Despite 7% Q3 growth, a noticeable dip from last month’s projections appears. Yet, panel makers hold steady, adjusting production and raising TV panel prices due to unclear trends for larger sizes. Expect strong TV panel prices in August, up by USD 2~8. Notably, 75-inch panels could surge around USD 8.

Monitor Panels in August: Steady Outlook

In August, as consumer model demands saturate and commercial model needs to stay low, brands approach price hikes cautiously. Despite this, panel manufacturers aim to increase prices. Expect minor upticks in monitor panel prices for August. Open Cell panels could see a convergence of price increases, around USD 0.1. Projections include USD 0.1 hikes for 21.5-inch, 23.8-inch, and 27-inch panels.

Laptop Panel in August: Cautious Price Adjustments

Looking at August laptop panel prices, constrained growth in Q3 demand from top-tier brands leads to a cautious stance on broad price increases. Most brands accept minor adjustments for low-end HD TN models. Meanwhile, specific manufacturers slightly raise prices for mid-to-high-end FHD IPS models to select customers, while mainstream prices remain restrained. Anticipate a USD 0.1 uptick for HD TN models and stable prices for FHD IPS models in August.

TV brands are gearing up for year-end promotions in August, driving the continued surge in TV panel prices seen in recent months. Despite concerns over rising costs and potential procurement reductions, panel manufacturers believe that strategic production control based on demand can maintain price momentum. August is expected to bring price increases of USD 2~10 for various TV panel sizes.

In the monitor segment, August might see moderate price increases. Commercial demand remains weak, while consumer demand surged in Q2, with modest growth projected for Q3. Price hikes for Open Cell panels are expected to be around USD 0.1~0.2. Quotations for panel modules indicate a USD 0.1 increase for 21.5-inch, 23.8-inch, and 27-inch sizes.

Notebook panel prices are slightly rising in August. However, due to strong second-quarter shipments and limited Q3 growth, price adjustments will likely focus on entry-level HD TN models. Manufacturers aim for comprehensive adjustments, projecting a USD 0.1 increase for both HD TN and FHD IPS models. The extent of these changes will depend on negotiations between manufacturers and brands.