Taiwan-based LCD TV panel makers expect the LCD TV sales in China to reach 2.4-2.7 million units in May, boosted by the Labor Day holiday and the upcoming 6-month 2010 Shanghai World Expo, and panel inventories at China TV vendors will be digested, according to market sources.
The sources noted that current panel inventory level in China is about 1-2 weeks higher than normal due to weaker-than-expected sales performance during the Lunar New Year holiday.
Recent demand for TV panels has dropped, creating pressure on panel prices, and large-size panel prices are expected to drop in April, the sources said. Panel prices will drop slightly in the second quarter compared to the first quarter, but are expected to rise in the third quarter when the peak season arrives, the sources said.
LCD TV shipments in China in January 2010 increased 77.5% on year to 4.1 million units, and increased 216.5% on year in February to 2.5 million units, according to Digitimes Research.
