Market Overview: Q1 2025 Sets Strong Momentum
The global TV panel market defied seasonal trends in Q1 2025, achieving “volume-price dual growth” driven by China’s extended consumer subsidies and proactive inventory strategies by brands anticipating U.S. tariff risks 1 2 . Key highlights include:
- LCD TV Panel Shipments: 63.6 million units globally, up 11% YoY, with shipment area rising 15% YoY to 47.3 million m² 1.
- Price Surge: 65-inch and 75-inch panels rose by 4inearly2025,while32–55−inchpanelsincreasedby2 1.
- Regional Leadership: Chinese manufacturers (BOE, CSOT, HKC) dominated 76% of global supply, with BOE leading at 17.1 million units shipped (+30% YoY) 1 2.
May 2025 Price Trends: Stabilization with Cautious Optimism
As of late April, prices stabilized across all sizes, but supply-demand tensions loom for Q2 3 8 :
- Large Sizes (65”+):Prices remain resilient due to surging demand for premium TVs (e.g., 85”+ shipments grew 15% YoY) 1 6 .
- Mid-Small Sizes (32”–55”): Flat pricing expected in May, though inventory pressure from Q1 overstocking may trigger adjustments 3 8 .
- Risk Factors: Tariff uncertainties (e.g., potential U.S. hikes to 31.4%) and post-618 festival demand cooling could disrupt stability 1 6 .
Strategic Shifts: Panel Makers Prioritize Profitability
Top manufacturers are balancing production controls and technological upgrades:
- BOE & CSOT: Implementing “on-demand production” from May to avoid oversupply, while expanding partnerships with TCL, Hisense, and Samsung 1 4 .
- HKC: Reducing 43” output to focus on 85”+ panels, capturing 23% of the large-size segment 2 6 .
- Taiwanese Players: Innolux (+7% YoY) and AUO (+20% YoY) leveraged diversified client portfolios to offset market volatility 1 2 .
Technology Battleground: Mini LED vs. OLED
- Mini LED: Expected to dominate mid-to-high-end markets with 13.5 million shipments in 2025, driven by cost efficiency and innovations like BOE’s 16K 110-inch 3D display 2 6 .
- OLED: LG Display’s new 4-stack WOLED tech (3,700 nits brightness) aims to revive premium demand, though LCD still holds 97% market share 2 6 .
Outlook for Q2 2025: Navigating Uncertainty
Analysts warn of “double declines” (YoY and QoQ) in Q2 shipments due to:
- Demand Exhaustion: Early 2025 stockpiling reduced post-618 festival procurement urgency 1 6 .
- Tariff Pressures: Brands face rising costs from U.S.-Mexico tariff policies, impacting pricing strategies 3 8 .
- Supply Adjustments: Chinese panel makers may cut output by 5–10% in May–June to stabilize prices 1 6 .
Conclusion
The May 2025 TV panel market reflects cautious optimism, with large sizes and advanced technologies driving resilience. However, stakeholders must remain agile amid geopolitical and inventory challenges. As BOE’s spokesperson noted, “Balancing profitability and innovation will define success in this hypercompetitive landscape.” 1 2 8 .