Market research firm CINNO Research indicates that global LCD TV panel prices are expected to see a modest decline in September with a narrowing drop, highlighting notable structural divergence across different screen sizes.
Short-term demand has shown signs of recovery, driven by brands pushing for year-end sales targets and preparing for major promotional events. On the supply side, high-generation生产线 utilization rates remain elevated, supporting steady shipment growth during the third quarter.
The current loose supply-demand balance has not fundamentally shifted, leaving prices under downward pressure in the near term. As upstream raw material costs rise, panel makers may lower production utilization in early October to stabilize prices, with overall price trends expected to soften first before stabilizing.
From the demand perspective, the short-term rebound in September stems from brands intensifying stockpiling efforts to meet annual performance goals, while the ongoing price-for-volume strategy has proven effective, gradually turning purchasing sentiment more positive.
This month's price direction largely mirrors August, with an overall downward trend continuing. However, price declines for some screen sizes may narrow. The mainstream 32-inch panels are expected to stop falling first, while 43-inch to 75-inch panels benefit from concentrated restocking demand ahead of promotions, with accelerated brand procurement and narrower month-on-month price drops.
For ultra-large sizes beyond this range, terminal demand has underperformed expectations, and supply-demand pressure remains unresolved, keeping price declines similar to the previous month.
On the supply front, CINNO Research data shows global LCD TV panel high-generation line utilization averaged 86% in August, maintaining a relatively high industry supply level.
Entering September, brand customers continue stockpiling for fourth-quarter promotions, supporting sustained high production schedules. Meanwhile, rising upstream material costs push up manufacturing expenses, strengthening panel makers' desire to stabilize prices under margin pressure. Market expectations suggest panel makers may cut utilization rates in October to adjust supply and support prices, so this month's utilization is projected to stay above 85%, with no clear signs of supply contraction yet.
Third-quarter LCD TV panel shipments are expected to grow roughly 5% year-on-year and 2% quarter-on-quarter. Despite the short-term demand pickup, the industry's loose supply-demand landscape has not fundamentally changed. With continuous supply-side pressure, prices lack solid fundamental support for stabilization, leaving room for further declines in near-term quotes.
According to CINNO Research's latest statistics, September 2026 global LCD TV panel prices are likely to show a modest decline overall, but the month-on-month drop will narrow noticeably, with structural divergence across sizes persisting.
Specifically, mainstream 32-inch panel prices are expected to stabilize at around $32. 43-inch to 55-inch panels are likely to fall $1 from August, with corresponding quotes at $61, $85, and $111 respectively.
For 65-inch to 85-inch panels, prices are projected to drop $2, corresponding to $163, $216, and $286. The 98-inch and 100-inch ultra-large sizes may decline $5 month-on-month to $410.
Looking ahead to the fourth quarter, year-end promotions globally may spur phased brand restocking, but terminal consumption recovery remains weak, making it difficult to fundamentally improve the loose supply-demand situation. Panel makers may resort to reducing utilization rates and implementing production cuts to support prices.
Overall, LCD TV panel prices are expected to follow a path of initial weakness followed by stabilization, with genuine price firming depending on brand replenishment timing and actual terminal retail performance.