Nikkei: Panel Prices Rising on Low Inventory

Japan’s Nikkei newspaper says that inventory shortages are causing the price of LCD TV panels to rise, especially in 42″ and smaller sizes. IHS has reported similar news in recent months. Prices for 32″ open-cell LCD panels, for instance, were up about 10% MoM in July, while 40″-42″ panels were up between 1% and 5%. Chinese makers have been raising panel production, while Samsung Display and LG Display cut production in Q2 to improve earnings. The Nikkei says that Panasonic will cut back on its presence in the TV panel market at the end of September. Innolux, meanwhile, had its supply disrupted by the earthquake in February.