DisplaySearch predicts global shortage of LCD panels

According to new research from DisplaySearch there will be a global shortage of LCD panels from the second quarter of next year.

Although the current weak market for LCD panels is expected to continue to early 2010, demand will then pick up.

The market has suffered in 2009 due to the global economic downturn and the downside of the ‘Crystal Cycle’, a term used to describe the phenomenon of boom and boost seen in the LCD market.

The expected shortage from the second quarter will be caused by TV brands buying panels in preparation for the peak season.

DisplaySearch expects the equipment market to grow 51% in 2010, helped by LCD TVs replacing cathode ray tube TVs in emerging markets, with particularly strong demand from China.

China is expected to overtake North America to become the world’s largest LCD TV consumer in 2011.

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