[Insights] Early October Panel Prices: MNT, NB Flat Despite Weak Demand as Component Costs Rise; TV Holds Steady

．TV

Entering the fourth quarter, panel makers are facing mounting cost pressure as prices for upstream components rise across the board. With TV panels currently the only one of the three major applications generating stable profits, higher costs could erode TV panel margins and weigh on overall profitability. As a result, panel makers are actively seeking price increases to offset rising costs.

However, TV panel demand may weaken slightly from the third quarter, and TV brands could adjust their fourth-quarter procurement plans again as they seek stable panel prices in response to suppliers’ pricing strategies. Buyers and sellers are still testing each other’s willingness and limits on price increases. Given relatively weak fourth-quarter demand, TV panel prices are currently expected to remain flat across the board in October.

．MNT

Monitor (MNT) panel demand is expected to decline 8% QoQ in 4Q26, a steeper drop than in the third quarter, signaling continued weakness. Despite softer demand, panel makers have little room to lower prices amid sharply rising component costs, and brand customers largely agree on keeping prices stable. Panel makers are also watching whether TV panel price hikes succeed, which could pave the way for similar increases in MNT panel prices. For now, MNT panel prices are expected to remain flat across the board in October.

．NB

Notebook (NB) panel demand is expected to fall sharply in 4Q26, with procurement from the top six brand customers projected to decline more than 20% QoQ, putting significant pressure on panel makers’ shipments. However, surging upstream component costs leave suppliers little room to cut prices to secure orders. Brand customers also recognize these pressures and have limited room to reallocate orders as they manage year-end inventories, leaving both sides largely aligned on keeping prices stable. As a result, NB panel prices are expected to remain flat in October.