Sharp has not supplied LCD TV panels to Samsung since 2017 following Foxconn's takeover of the Japanese firm. But that is expected to change soon, as Samsung's in-house LCD panel lines are shutting down, and need to source more LCD TV applications from outside suppliers, including Sharp. Meanwhile, the Korean tech giant is vying for 5G mobile chip orders from Huawei, who is keen to cut its reliance on US supplies. Samsung and MediaTek - its major competitor from Taiwan - are both eyeing the Chinese vendor's entry-level and midrange phone segments. The handset market has been sluggish in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, but the notebook market has seen robust demand for enteprise and educational devices supporting stay-at-home needs. Notebook components suppliers have reported strong sales for March.
Samsung reportedly to resume purchasing LCD TV panels from Sharp: Samsung Electronics reportedly will resume the purchases of LCD TV panels from Sharp as its panel production arm Samsung Display is accelerating its move to close all of its LCD lines by the end of 2020, according to sources from Taiwan's panel supply chain.
MediaTek, Samsung eyeing 5G mobile chip orders from Huawei: MediaTek and Samsung Electronics are both vying for mid-range and entry-level 5G smartphone chips from Huawei, which intends to further reduce its dependence on Qualcomm this year, according to industry sources.
Notebook component suppliers report brisk March results: Notebook component suppliers including battery pack maker Simplo Technology and cooling module firm Taisol Electronics have reported impressive revenue results for March 2020, thanks to a pick-up in demand for commercial and educational notebooks.