TAIPEI, TAIWAN: The  large-sized panel prices continue to fall further in the second half of July: TV panels slipped 2-3 per cent ($10), NB panels dropped about 3 per cent ($4) and monitor panels fell 6-7 per cent ($8).

Based on WitsView’s survey, downstream clients have drastically reduced their orders in the wake of the larger-than-expected price declines during the last week of June. Inventory adjustments are now their key priority. Thus, despite the persisting price drops, it will be hard to see an evident boost in demand.

Moreover, the rising oil and inflation pressures and effects from the credit squeeze have further weakened the consumer confidence. Therefore, it will take some time before the overall inventory problem eases.

"The panel price plunge in July has dropped near the panel makers’ fully loaded cost. Thus, the rate of decline in August is expected to narrow," said H.P. Chang, head of WitsView's TFT-LCD research team.

Meanwhile, following the huge price decline, it should also give brand vendors and retailers more room in the way they devise their retail price strategies. Hopefully, this will more or less stimulate the future end market demand.

                                         Panel Price List in 2H of Jul/2008 (Prices are all in USD)