2007 was a good year for TFT-LCD panel makers, it has been claimed.

According to Tadashi Uno, DisplaySearch Director of Materials and Components Research, the good year meant there was a "shortage in glass substrates and colour filters in the second half of 2007".

Mr Uno said that manufacturers of materials and components enjoyed high operating ratios in 2007 but most prices declined in the year because of new vendors entering the optical film space and fierce price competition.

New figures from DisplaySearch suggest that TFT-LCD materials and components grew by 20 per cent in 2007 and this is expected to show an increase of six per cent this year.

Mr Uno believes that panel manufacturers were investing less in new capacity during 2007 and this would contribute to six per cent growth.

The firm believes that the market for TFT-LCD materials reached $51.5 billion with backlights leading the way with $15 billion in revenues and liquid crystal enjoying growth as well.

But during 2008 the liquid crystal market is expected to increase by 23 per cent while backlights will remain flat because of cost pressure, increased price competition and component elimination, EETimesAsia reports.

Source:

DisplaySearch warns of tight TFT-LCD materials supply in '08, 25/02/08
http://www.eetasia.com/ART_8800506239_480700_NT_423fde82.HTM?1000016769&8800506239&click_from=1000016769,8620774991,2008-02-25,EEOL,EENEWS

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