According to analysis by DIGITIMES Research, due to weak terminal demand, especially PC and tablet PCs, the global demand for large-size TFT LCD panels will decline in 2015, with a decline in shipments of 5.6%.
It is estimated that only the shipments of other types of panels containing digital signage applications will grow in 2016, and the rest will be used for LCD TV panels, monitors (including AIO) panels, NB panels, and 9-inch (plus) tablets. Shipments of panels will be reduced compared to 2015. In 2016, the overall shipment of large-size TFT LCD panels will be reduced by 1.7% compared to 2015.
In terms of shipping area, the global large-size TFT LCD panel shipment area in 2015 is estimated to be 157.9 million square meters, an increase of 4.3% over 2014. This growth rate is smaller than the annual growth rate of large-size LCD panel production capacity (5.1%); It is estimated that the global demand for large-size TFT LCD panels will grow by 4.1% in 2016, and the growth rate will be lower than the annual increase in capacity. Each panel manufacturer must adjust its production strategy to correspond to this unfavorable supply and demand environment.