Samsung Electronics Co Ltd said the global LCD market would be difficult in the first half of 2007 due to seasonal factors, but predicted strong growth in demand and even a possible shortage in the second half.
"The first quarter is likely to be a little difficult, but afterwards, an increase in demand should mean we will not experience too many difficulties," Lee Sang-wan, president of Samsung's LCD business, said during a press conference on Friday at the company's sprawling Tangjeong complex about 100 kms south of Seoul.
"Actually, there is even the possibility of a shortage in the second half," he said in his remarks, which were embargoed until Sunday. He did not elaborate.
Samsung, the world's biggest maker of large liquid crystal display (LCD) panels so far this year, also said the company was aiming to have the latest production line of its S-LCD joint venture with Sony Corp begin operations two to three months ahead of its scheduled start date of October 2007.
"Our eighth generation line could be opened earlier than scheduled, and could contribute to the Christmas shopping season," Lee said.
S-LCD, set up in 2004, currently has the capacity to make 75,000 panels a month and should reach a monthly capacity of 90,000 units a month early next year, Samsung said. LCD panels are a key component for LCD TVs.
The new eighth-generation line will use bigger glass panels, enabling makers to produce more LCD panels and boosting efficiency. Eighth-generation mother-glass substrates yield eight 46-inch TV panels or six 52-inch panels, compared with six 46-inch panels from seventh-generation glass.