LCD panel prices to remain stable until October

September panel shipments for TV and IT applications are expected to increase from levels in August, and unit prices will begin to stabilize from late September and remain steady until October due to peak season effects, according to market watchers.

System makers and brand vendors are filling inventory in order to prepare for the holiday season, hence shipments of large-size panels have increased since August driven by demand for TV panels and LCD monitors, the sources noted.

Panel prices have dropped sharply since June; over 35% for LCD monitors, 25% for notebook panels and 20% for TV panels. Because the price of some panels dropped nearly to cost, panel makes have not only reduced production, but are also taking orders selectively to stabilize prices, the sources said.

With shipments increasing, panel makers can begin to ease up slightly, however, industry players still hold a conservative view for the outlook after the holiday season due to the general weakness of the economy, the sources added.