Toward What Direction TFT-LCD Panel Moves

The survey on the global large-sized TFT-LCD panel capacity by WitsView shows several trends generated by TFT-LCD raising capacity:

Firstly, the new capacity is concentrated on the Gen 8.5 fabs, meaning the large-sized panel supply is largely lifted, and the price pressure on the large sizes is inevitable to solve the excessive capacity problem.

From 2014 to 2015, worldwide Gen 8.5 capacity is expected to grow 12.4% from 2013, and the global capacity will be expanded to 204.4Mn m2, rising 5.3% from 2013. It is reported that there will have six to eight Gen 8.5 fabs that will start mass-production globally, including SDC’s Suzhou plant, BOE’s Hefei plant, and LGD’s Guangzhou plant.

Secondly panel makers will develop higher-profit products of new sizes, including the 48” and the 49” that would replace the 46” and the 47”.

Thirdly, the product portfolio shift between fabs of different generations will be more obvious, the trend that the Gen 6 and under are served to produce mid-and small-sized panels is more evident.

China will gain most traction in the future newly-added capacity. With the country’s self-sufficient ratio will continue to rise, China shows great potential to Taiwanese manufacturers.