Falling 1.5% sequentially and 7.2% annually, fourth-quarter 2019 smartphone shipments to China remained weak mainly because vendors had difficulty depleting channel inventory, 5G infrastructure coverage was still limited, 5G phones still came with high price tags, telecom operators did not subsidize phones as keen as they did when 4G phones started becoming available and the world economy was weakened by lingering trade tensions. Despite the quarter being the traditional high season, shipments were not very strong.
Mini LEDs and micro LEDs are expected to become improved backlighting solutions that can significantly enhance displays' quality and create added value in the upcoming years.
Global small- to medium-size LCD panel shipments are estimated to drop from 2020 to 2024, while large-size ones will continue enjoying growths through 2020, but start slipping in 2021.
2019 global tablet shipments will slide significantly from the level of 2018 as brand tablets are experiencing weakening momentum from tablet replacement and demand for education tablets, while white-box tablets also face decelerated demand for small-size models and fierce competitions from brand tablets.
Global smartphone shipments will continue to decline for the second year in 2019. Although emerging markets have demand coming from feature phone users switching to smartphones, it takes longer for consumers in mature markets to upgrade their phones, resulting in the decline in overall smartphone shipments.
Global tablet shipments amounted to 32.66 million units in second-quarter 2019, down 8.7% on quarter and 11.9% on year due to slow season, Apple's new products making little contribution to its shipments and Huawei's performance taking a hit by the US trade ban.
With Huawei already stocking up on crucial components, the US Commerce Department's ban will not stop Huawei from providing its products and services in the short term. However, the ban has spooked consumers, enterprises and telecom operators, shaking their confidence in Huawei's ability to continue delivering quality products and services in the future.