TAIPEI, TAIWAN: Amid the still present weak seasonality and uncertainties surrounding the global economies, the overall market atmosphere is a bit subdued, according to WitsView analysts.

Although the monitor and notebook shipments still grew respectively by 1.1 percent and 1.4 percent QoQ in 1Q08, due to an anticipated panel price rise, it can be seen it is not in response to a stronger end market demand. Thus, the monitor price increases that began in April have been moderate, and is expected to continue through 1H-May.

Meanwhile, given the downstream clients' sufficient NB inventory and sales constrained by the shortage of relevant components, there is no pressing need of additional NB panels. Yet, given their relatively high profit margins, panel makers hope to at least initiate a gradual increase. Unfortunately, the major downstream clients are still very resistant to any price rise. Based on WitsView's survey, NB panel prices will stay flat in 1H-May.

Finally, for TV panels, the weak seasonality resulted in shipments to drop by 10 percent QoQ. Despite the recent four-day labor holidays in China, where a new wave of sales promotion is being conducted by both the local and international TV brands, along with the TV sales discounts in the North America market, the overall end market demand in 1HMay is still unclear. Panel prices are still under heavy pressure, where the drop in the above 40" will be more notable.

The 1HMay panel prices will be released tomorrow, May 5.