LCD prices may rise this year after recent slump

The global price of liquid-crystal display panels may rise this year on growing demand, market watchers said Sunday, which could significantly improve the profitability of Korean makers.

The price of 20-inch LCD panels for computers was set at $60 for February, according to DisplaySearch, a market research firm.

The global price of the product has remained at $60 since October, following its three-month drop from $64 in August to $61 in September.

The price of display panels for televisions also remains unchanged.

The price of a 40-inch full HD panel dropped over $130 from early last year but remained at $206 since October, with the price for this month again set at $206, according to DisplaySearch.

“The anticipated launch of new mobile and tablet computer products, such as the iPad 3, along with the conservative stance of both the supply and demand sides, are the main reasons the price remains unchanged,” it said.