Global panel makers are expected to produce more high-end curved panels this year to maintain their competitive edge in the face of a slowing TV market, industry sources said Monday.

Worldwide shipments of curved liquid crystal display TVs are expected to reach 12.5 million units in 2016, up sharply from the 6.1 million units last year, according to data compiled by China-based market tracker Sigmaintell. 

In 2015, Samsung Display was the largest vendor of curved display TVS with shipments of 4.9 million units, followed by Taiwan-based AU Optronics with 1.2 million units. LG Display, another South Korean panel maker, does not produce curved panels for LCD TVs.

Overall sales of TV panels fell 5.5 percent on-quarter to reach 66.23 million units in the October-December period of 2015 despite it being a year-end shopping season, separate data compiled by IHS showed. In the first quarter of this year, the number is expected to fall even lower to 63.2 million units.

The slowdown was triggered mostly by declining demand and rising inventory. Prices have been falling in tandem, with the price tag on a 32-inch full-HD TV panel plunging to $64 from $102 last year. The price of 55-inch models also fell 25 percent.

(khnews@heraldcorp.com)