[Insights] Panel Prices in Early October: Notebook Panels Projected to Fall Slightly amid Soft Demand

．TV

As year-end promotional stocking winds down and some brands begin adjusting inventories, TV panel demand is expected to gradually slow in the fourth quarter. In response to this trend, panel makers plan to adjust production during the China’s National Day holidays. China-based manufacturers are scheduling production control periods ranging from three to seven days, with average utilization rates dropping from over 80% in the third quarter to below 80% in October, in hopes of stabilizing TV panel prices. As of October, TV panel prices across all sizes—from 32 inches to 75 inches—are expected to remain flat.

．MNT

MNT panel demand continued to weaken in October, with a projected decline of about 9% compared with September. Although demand remains soft, panel makers are reluctant to align production plans with customer requests for mainstream models such as FHD panels, as these products continue to operate at a loss. They are also unwilling to make further price concessions. Given this situation, both buyers and sellers have reached a consensus only on maintaining stable prices. As a result, MNT panel prices are projected to remain flat in October.

．NB

Demand for NB panels is also expected to weaken in October. In addition to under-the-table discounts, brand customers are becoming increasingly aggressive in pushing for further price reductions. To maintain relationships with these brands, most panel makers are likely to comply, adjusting prices slightly to reflect weaker demand during the off-season. For October, entry-level TN models—with already low prices and limited profit margins—are expected to remain flat. Among IPS models, only certain 16:10 panels may hold steady, while prices for other models are projected to decline by about USD 0.1.