Taiwan-based makers' shipments of large-size (9-inch and above) TFT LCD panels are expected to reach 61.74 million units in the first quarter 2013, down 8.1% on quarter and down 1.9% on year, according to Digitimes Research.

In terms of panel shipments by application, TV panel shipments are expected to drop 8.2% on quarter while AU Optronics' (AUO) are expected to drop 5%. The percentages are expected to be lower than the predicted global decline of 10.4%, said Digitimes Research.

For 9-inch and above panel shipments, Digitimes Research expects makers to see declines due to rising popularity of 7-inch tablet products.

Digitimes Research added that global large-size TFT LCD panel shipments are expected to be down 10.3% on quarter during the first quarter of 2013.