[Insights] Early May Panel Prices: TV Gains Slow; MNT Hike Momentum Moderates, NB Flat

．TV

Entering May, signs of weakening overall demand have begun to emerge as some brand customers started adjusting orders, although demand for larger-size panels remains better than for smaller sizes. Panel makers have also begun implementing 3- to 5-day production adjustments during the Labor Day holiday in an effort to maintain price stability. However, amid elevated costs, brand customers have also actively begun discussing the possibility of MDF with panel makers. As a result, TV panel price increases are expected to slow in May, with prices for all panel sizes from 32-inch to 75-inch currently projected to remain flat.

．MNT

As May begins, MNT panel demand remains stable. Although panel makers are seeking larger price hikes amid cost pressures, brand customers have turned more cautious as TV panel prices begin to stabilize. While customers still accept price increases, the scale of further hikes remains under negotiation between buyers and sellers.

Current estimates for May MNT panel pricing suggest Open Cell panels will rise by about US$0.2 to US$0.3. Among mainstream panel modules, 23.8-inch FHD and 27-inch FHD panels are expected to increase by US$0.2, while 27-inch QHD panels are projected to rise by US$0.1.

．NB

Entering May, NB panel demand remains relatively stable, with only a slight decline. Some brand customers are still actively building panel inventory ahead of the arrival of other components such as CPUs. Even so, panel makers are finding it difficult to push for further price hikes. Brand customers continue to resist higher prices amid elevated costs, while panel makers have yet to form a unified pricing strategy for NB panels similar to the TV and MNT markets. Under these conditions, NB panel prices are expected to remain flat across the board in May.