LCD panels start rising in price

THERE'S HOPE on the horizon for LCD panel makers because prices are rising and supplies are tight, according to research conducted by iSuppli.

The news affects large size LCD panels 10-inches or more, said Sweta Dash, director of LCD research for iSuppli. Average pricing for panels using in PC desktop monitors increased already in April by two per cent and notebook panels have risen by one per cent.

There are reductions in stocks of flat panels at the makers while fab utilisation rates are down, said Dash. Vista is also apparently boosting demand for panels for desktops.

Isuppli predicts that's bad news for buyers who will face price rises and allocation on sizes, particularly so as distribution stocks are much less than they were. The tight supply will affect both the second and third quarters.

Most suppliers have reduced their inventories to three weeks, while LG Philips has cut its fat panel mountain to two weeks, said iSuppli. µ

L'INQ
iSuppli