Chinese LCD panel makers raise prices as Samsung and LG gear up for holiday demand

China's leading LCD panel manufacturers BOE Technology, TCL CSOT and HKC have informed buyers of price increases for large-size panels, citing higher procurement costs and volatile raw-material markets. The notices were sent to major TV makers including Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics and Sony as they stock up for Black Friday, Christmas and other year-end sales. TrendForce reports that panel makers are limiting output to avoid a persistent oversupply that could depress prices.

While the new pricing could raise TV manufacturing costs, manufacturers may absorb the expense, seek savings elsewhere, or negotiate higher retail prices, especially for lower-priced models where margins are thin. The moves reflect China's expanding dominance in the large-panel supply chain after South Korean, Japanese and Taiwanese producers scaled back LCD operations.