Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong was recently joined by senior executives from the company's semiconductor and display departments on a rare visit to China. Industry analysts in South Korea say the joint trip is highly unusual and likely points to a strategic pivot in Samsung Group's China operations.

LG Innotek is expanding its focus beyond camera module manufacturing and is preparing to venture into the field of next-generation glass substrates. The company has revealed its intention to produce sample glass substrates by the end of 2025, with plans to potentially commercialize these products by 2027.

LCD TV panel prices are losing steam following a brief rally that began in late 2024, initially fueled by front-loaded orders. Rising inflation concerns and renewed tariff threats from US President Donald Trump are dampening global trade confidence, prompting consumers to pull back. At the same time, China's trade-in policy is losing momentum, softening demand. As a result, both panel makers and TV brands are slowing their purchasing pace.

While LCD television panel demand falters, IT panel manufacturers maintain optimism fueled by anticipated device replacement trends. Monitor panel markets showed strong March 2025 demand against tight supply conditions, according to industry research firm Sigmaintell.

The electronic paper (e-paper) industry is thriving with innovations in color technology. E Ink Holdings (EIH) and Netronix experienced a successful 2024 and anticipate increased demand for large advertising displays in 2025. Other application growth supports their forecast that the first quarter will be the year's low point, with improvements expected in the second quarter.

E Ink, a global leader in e-paper technology, has made a breakthrough in reducing screen flicker while expanding the color range. Its latest innovation, called Ripple, introduces wave-like transitions to minimize flicker during page turns. Building on its E Ink Spectra platform, the company has also unveiled a new Waveform that mixes existing color ink particles in new ways, unlocking an expanded palette of vibrant hues.

South Korean display makers have surpassed Japanese manufacturers in the global high-end automotive display market for the first time. In the future, LG Display (LGD) and Samsung Display (SDC) will focus on developing high-end products to expand their business.

TCL China Star Optoelectronics Technology (TCL CSOT) is taking over LG Display's (LGD) LCD factory in Guangzhou, China, which may affect the LCD display driver IC (DDI) orders of South Korean IC design house LX Semicon.

The global auto display panel market is expanding rapidly amid rising demand for smart and electric vehicles. China is gaining ground as a major supplier, fueled by its fast-growing new energy vehicle (NEV) sector. Taiwanese makers AUO and Innolux are carving out positions in the high-end segment through advanced display technologies.

Samsung Display (SDC) has won its lawsuit against the Chinese display company BOE for "OLED patent infringement" filed with the US International Trade Commission (ITC). However, the ITC ruled that the case would not have any significant impact on the US display industry, and therefore decided not to impose any ban on the import and sale of BOE products in the US.

The TV market in 2025 will be significantly influenced by political factors, particularly with US President Donald Trump's aggressive tariff policies and China's "trade-in" policy extending from 2024. These developments are causing shifts in the market while also impacting the inventory rhythm of upstream panel manufacturers. Observing the TV market in 2025 reveals five major changes.

The panel industry is monitoring developments closely, as recent improvements in demand have raised concerns about a possible slowdown or even a reversal in market trends starting in the second quarter of 2025.

TCL Technology Group Corporation's (TCL) acquisition of LG Display (LGD)'s Chinese subsidiaries, approved by authorities and slated for completion by 2025, marks a strategic shift in the global display industry. As the Guangzhou plant transitions ownership, LGD reallocates resources to OLED development, strengthening TCL's market share and enhancing its financial prospects amid rising LCD demand.

Japanese company Toppan Holdings has decided to divest all its 53.1% stake in Taiwan-based Giantplus Technology, a manufacturer of small and medium-sized LCD panels, marking its exit from panel production. However, Toppan will continue to procure panels from Giantplus, a move expected to boost the latter's revenue and reinforce optimism for 2025.

Sony has announced the development of a groundbreaking display technology that promises even richer and more vivid colors than traditional Mini LED TVs. By delivering higher color purity and an expanded color gamut, this next-generation display system is expected to enter mass production in 2025, targeting both consumer televisions and professional content creation monitors.

Micro OLED technology development in China has accelerated, driven by substantial government subsidies to enhance display manufacturing. Chinese firms are now increasing investments in mass-production equipment to meet rising demand, with Sidtek set to open its third Micro OLED factory in Mianyang, Sichuan province.

E Ink, the leading company in electronic paper technology, has joined forces with Realtek Semiconductor to introduce a next-generation System on Panel (SoP) design for electronic shelf labels (ESL). This innovation aims to lower the development barriers for e-paper labels.

INCJ, a public-private partnership overseen by the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), has disclosed that it has sold all its shareholding in Japan Display (JDI) via the market, incurring a loss of JPY154.7 billion (US$1.05 billion).

Following the Lunar New Year holidays, the mobile panel market has officially entered its traditional off-season. While China's subsidy policies have sustained demand for end-user devices, elevated channel inventory has prevented a noticeable surge in first-quarter demand for mobile panels. Consequently, panel prices have remained stable throughout March.

Panel giant Innolux Corporation is set to return to profitability in 2024 due to the sale of its factory to TSMC. Looking ahead to the first quarter of 2025, Innolux stated that China's trade in subsidy policy will continue, and the North American tariff effects will further boost customer demand, driving shipments of TV and IT panels. Prices are expected to remain stable and may even rise.

InnoCare Optoelectronics anticipates strong shipment growth for IGZO (Indium Gallium Zinc Oxide) panel products in 2025, driven by increasing adoption in dental and surgical equipment, including dynamic X-ray and C-arm systems. The company expects its IGZO product revenue share to exceed 30%, according to President Eric Lee.

The Southern Taiwan Science Park (STSP) has reported record-high sales of NT$2.21 trillion (approx. US$67.05 billion) for 2024, rising 39.55% year-over-year, with strong momentum coming from AI-driven demand for semiconductors and other applications.

Industrial computer (IPC) manufacturer Ubiqconn Technology, a subsidiary of FIC Group, has acquired 100% of the shares of US display panel manufacturer E3 Displays (E3D) in an all-cash transaction valued at US$7 million, accelerating its global market expansion.

Taipei Dome introduces a 19-meter by 1-meter ultra-large LumiCanvas LED display from Innolux. In addition to the Taipei Dome, Innolux's seamless large-size video walls are already deployed in various locations, including Taipei Metro underground streets, Century Asia Cinemas, hospitals, department stores, and art exhibitions, with plans for future international exports.

E Ink, a dominant player in electronic paper technology, has designated 2025 as the "Year of Large-Size Color E-Paper," signaling a strategic pivot toward the burgeoning market for expansive displays and marking a transformative phase for the company.