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.

The National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) has disclosed the combined output of Taiwan's three major science parks reached NT$4.76 trillion (US$144.42 billion) in 2024, setting a record high with an increase of 20.73% from 2023, driven mainly by demand for emerging technologies, such as AI, and advanced semiconductor processes.

Small and medium-sized panel manufacturers, HannStar and Giantplus, reported strong revenue performances in February, with both companies showing month-over-month and year-over-year growth. Specifically, HannStar's shipments of small and medium-sized panels saw a rebound in February. Meanwhile, Giantplus expects the first quarter to be a slow season. However, the market is more focused on the potential impacts and changes following the exit of its parent company, Toppan Holdings.

Despite the traditionally slow month of February, the panel industry has demonstrated remarkable resilience, with both AUO and Innolux reporting substantial year-over-year revenue increases. The ongoing demand for panels has continued unabated, suggesting that the first quarter of 2025 may not adhere to typical seasonal patterns.

Coretronic reported a consolidated revenue of NT$2.573 billion (US$80.4 million) in February, marking a 10% decline from January's NT$2.856 billion (US$89.2 million) and a 6% drop compared to NT$2.741 billion (US$85.6 million) in February 2024. Cumulatively, revenue for the first two months of 2025 stood at NT$5.429 billion (US$169.6 million), reflecting an 8% year-over-year decrease.

E Ink has declared 2025 as the "year of large-format color e-paper displays," marking a milestone in the company's expansion into the large-format e-paper displays market. E Ink chairman Johnson Lee stated that as the company officially enters the large-format e-paper sector, it faces new challenges, including quality standards for large displays, mass production scalability, and strategic market expansion.

E Ink CEO Johnson Lee acknowledged the seasonal slowdown in the first quarter, citing weaker demand for electronic paper products, particularly in consumer electronics and electronic shelf labels (ESLs). However, he framed this period as a strategic opportunity for the company to recalibrate. Looking ahead to 2025, Lee projected strong demand for Internet of Things (IoT) applications, including ESLs, digital signage, and consumer electronics. He expects steady growth throughout the year.

TPK Holding struggled in 2024 as sluggish consumer demand and the phase-out of older smartphone models led to a 14.1% decline in total shipments, falling to approximately 52 million units. Annual revenue slipped 1.4% year-over-year to NT$68.87 billion. The company expects another 10% drop in 2025 as it shifts focus to high-growth areas like e-book touch technology and LiDAR.

Since President Donald Trump took office, his tariff policies have undergone significant fluctuations, with the latest adjustment raising the tariff on Chinese imports to 20%. The move, which comes amid ongoing tensions over China's inability to curb the flow of illegal drugs into the US, has prompted a swift migration of the electronic paper supply chain out of China as companies seek to mitigate the impact of rising costs.

As panel manufacturers normalize production cuts, traditional seasonal dynamics have reversed over the past two years. Following US President Donald Trump's inauguration in January 2025, a series of tariff policies further impacted the inventory rhythm within the LCD television supply chain.

Although the first quarter is typically slow, LCD monitor panel prices are rising, fueled by persistent increases in LCD TV panel prices. Since LCD TV and monitor panels share production lines, supply constraints are pushing monitor panel prices higher, with further hikes expected in March 2025.

Japan Display Inc. (JDI) and OLEDWorks are collaborating to construct an advanced OLED display facility in New York. They are seeking a subsidy of approximately JPY100 billion (US$670.33 million) from the state government for the project.

The e-paper industry is rapidly expanding due to technological advances and broader application possibilities. While smart retail propels the electronic shelf label (ESL) segment, the education sector's growing appetite fuels the rise of e-paper tablets. Trends toward colorization and larger display sizes are significantly enhancing the appeal of e-paper devices across markets.

Apple recently unveiled the iPhone 16e, its first budget iPhone model that features an OLED display. Analysts now speculate that Samsung Display (SDC), once less invested in the affordable iPhone market, may expand its supply, while LG Display (LGD) is betting on strong sales of the iPhone 16e to help drive a much-needed recovery for its business.

AUO's multi-year dual-axis transformation strategy has begun showing tangible results. The company has reorganized its operations into three core business pillars, preparing for their eventual incorporation as independent Business Groups (BGs). This restructuring aims to provide greater visibility into each pillar's financial performance while optimizing their operational systems for enhanced efficiency.

FocalTech Systems exceeded fourth-quarter revenue expectations, buoyed by record shipments of OLED touch chips as the technology gains traction across devices from smartphones to tablets.

DeepSeek has rapidly emerged as a transformative force as the impact of affordable AI models continues to accelerate. James Yang, President and COO of Innolux, highlighted that DeepSeek is driving a shift in AI computing power and costs, moving them from the realm of exclusivity into the mainstream. If perfected, AI could shed its high-end status and become deeply embedded in everyday applications. In essence, lower costs could lead to higher volume, sparking widespread demand across various industries.

Innolux president James Yang noted that US tariffs could lead to more factories in Asia, thus lowering costs and improving logistics efficiency. This strategy would enhance response times to market changes and better manage supply and demand for panels. Therefore, Taiwan's panel industry is likely to benefit from this policy.

A South Korean market research firm predicts that while the OLED TV market growth has stagnated, South Korean television manufacturers must leverage OLED technology to maintain their position in the premium segment.

Samsung Display (SDC) and China's BOE are targeting Apple's next-generation OLED device market through investments in 8.6-generation IT OLED production lines. However, South Korean market analysts predict that SDC will likely become the exclusive supplier of OLED panels for Apple's MacBook series launching in 2026, citing BOE's potential challenges in achieving satisfactory initial yield rates.

China recently unveiled a series of subsidy policies targeting consumer electronics and home appliances to stimulate domestic consumption. Beyond the central government's efforts, provinces across the country have introduced additional subsidies of varying sizes. The move aims to bolster consumer spending amid an economic slowdown.