TrendForce: Panel Industry Sees Optimistic Growth Amid Polarizer Shortages and China’s Trade-In Policy

The global panel industry is witnessing an upward trend in TV panel prices, fueled by a shortage of polarizers and the continued implementation of China's trade-in policy. According to TrendForce, demand for panels exceeding 75 inches is particularly robust, giving rise to optimism about the performance of leading manufacturers such as Innolux Corporation and AUO Corporation.

Jim Hung, Chairman and CEO of Innolux, expressed confidence in the recovery of the panel market this year, particularly for TV panels, which are expected to experience growth in both volume and price. Additionally, moderate growth in PC and laptop panel demand is anticipated for 2025 compared to 2024. Similarly, Paul Peng, Chairman and Group Chief Strategy Officer of AUO, is optimistic about the industry's supply-demand dynamics for 2025, driven by "on-demand production," a resurgence in commercial models, and an anticipated wave of replacements.

TrendForce highlighted the success of mainland China's trade-in policy in driving domestic demand for TV panels. The policy, extended through 2025, is expected to sustain demand for TV stocking, with super-large-size panels showing particularly enthusiastic demand. Unlike previous years, panel makers are gearing up for continuous production during the Lunar New Year, aiming to meet rising demand.

The booming demand for TV panels, coupled with a potential polarizer supply gap, has strengthened panel makers' confidence to raise prices. Key price changes expected in January include:

- 32-inch and 43-inch panels: +$1

- 50-inch panels: Unchanged

- 55-inch panels: +$1

- 65-inch panels: +$2

- 75-inch panels: +$3

- 85-inch panels: +$4

Monitor panel demand in Q1 2025 is expected to remain stable compared to the previous quarter. While prices for monitor panels are anticipated to stay flat in January, there are opportunities for gradual increases as TV panel demand impacts capacity allocation.

For laptop panels, demand has been influenced by U.S. tariff uncertainties under Trump’s administration. Some brands began stockpiling in December, but most manufacturers are maintaining stable pricing strategies due to unclear policy directions. Both buyers and sellers are currently adopting a cautious wait-and-see approach, with laptop panel prices expected to remain steady in January.