New figures released by IHS Markit have revealed that the large-scale thin-film transistor LCD display market continues to follow an upward trajectory, despite a decline in overall demand.
Despite this downturn, unit shipments are still expected to grow by 1% in 2017, reaching 688 million shipments.
However, as end users begin to switch their TVs out for larger screen sizes, area shipments are projected to grow by 6%, to 180 million square meters.
Unit shipments of tablet PC displays are expected to achieve the highest year-on-year growth of 10%, to reach 93 million units. IHS Markit’s Principal Analyst Peter Su said:
“It is because first-tier set brands are increasing the number of tablet PC models with larger screens. The new 10.5-inch iPad Pro is a good example”.
Notebook PC displays come in second, expected to reach approximately 175 million units shipped, a growth of 4%.
Meanwhile, TV displays have declined by 3% year-on-year, dropping to 257 million units. Su attributes this downturn to consistently high prices of large TV displays and a revision of manufacturers’ business plans, including a reduction in their panel purchasing.
On the other hand, the television market accounts for 78% of area shipment, as consumers begin to move up to larger-sized TVs. Su commented:
“First-tier panel makers, especially South Korean companies, already started shifting their production to larger sizes — 49 inches or larger — while reducing production of smaller panels, with lower profitability, to achieve better financial performance.
Chinese panel makers are following suit and started increasing production of larger TV displays to 43-inch or larger”.
LG is predicted to hold the largest market share with 21%, followed closely by China’s BOE with 20.7%.
