- Most Chinese TV makers, as per the report, had reduced their inventory levels by the end of 2019
- Korean companies are rapidly increasing panel demand in the first quarter to bolster their stockpiles
A new report by Omdia has stated that Coronavirus may force TV makers to cut panel demand in Q2. Television makers that had been planning to significantly boost their display panel purchasing in the second quarter, now may be forced to curb their ambitions as concerns over a potential coronavirus-driven recession rise.
“TV makers had been anticipating increased demand later this year, with consumers set to purchase new sets in advance of upcoming sporting events, such as the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. Now these companies are growing increasingly apprehensive that the coronavirus pandemic will spur a global recession—an event that would impact television demand,” explained Deborah Yang, director of display supply chain at Omdia.
Shipments of TVs in India grew 15 per cent annually to reach the highest-ever 15 million units in 2019, according to the latest research from Counterpoint’s TV Tracker service. This growth was mainly driven by budget smart TVs with 32-inch units leading the segment and penetrating sub-US$150 price bands.
It is to be noted here that China-based Oneplus had entered the TV market in India in 2019. Several other brands including Xiaomi have also started retailing TVs in India during the last two years.
South Korean and Chinese TV makers
South Korean and Chinese TV makers were hoping to take advantage of improving panel availability conditions in the second quarter to build up their inventory in lieu of increased consumer demand. China’s top-tier TV makers are expected to increase their unit purchases of display panels by five per cent sequentially in the second quarter.
“As a result, TV makers need to revise their purchasing plans to accommodate potentially drastic changes in the level of demand,” added Yang.
Revisions might also require TV makers to examine the multitude of factors that could impact supply and demand. In the very short term, TV makers must first deal with coronavirus-related supply-chain disruptions, including labour and component shortages, logistical problems and rising manufacturing costs.
“By next month, TV makers must evaluate how badly their sales outlook will be impacted by the Coronavirus. In particular, these companies must determine how much European demand will be affected during the months of May and June and during the entire third quarter. As a result, April will be the time when the panel market is likely to experience a major demand correction,” explained Yang.
Chinese TV makers reduced their inventory levels by the end of 2019
Most Chinese TV makers, as per the report, had reduced their inventory levels by the end of 2019, and had planned to replenish their stockpiles in the first half of 2020. TV makers had sensed that panel supply would be tight in 2020.
Chinese TV makers were planning to increase their panel-purchasing volumes in the second quarter as conditions in China started returning to a normal state. Most television production in China is expected be completely resumed in the second quarter. With production losses in the first quarter, Chinese TV makers had hoped to make up for the shortfalls by increasing purchasing and manufacturing during the second quarter.
Korean TV makers aim to refill panel inventories
Leading Korean TV brands, as per the report, are moving more confidently to mitigate supply-chain disruption risks compared to their rivals from other regions. As a result, the Korean companies are rapidly increasing panel demand in the first quarter to bolster their stockpiles.
Korean TV brands have aggressive shipment plans for 2020 as they strive to maintain their revenue and profits. Some of these companies want to gain market share from industry rivals. With reduced availability from their own captive sources, the leading Korean TV brands need displays from other panel suppliers to meet their shipment targets.
However, the fast spread of the coronavirus, particularly in European countries, is now attracting the intense attention of the Korean TV brands that have a major presence in the region. Omdia believes these companies will have to cut panel demand in the second quarter to reduce the risk of rising inventory as more and more cities and countries go into lock down.
“The question for TV makers is whether the market will recover quickly, or if it will face a persistent downturn,” Yang said. “TV display supply chain participants will need to prepare countermeasures for potential worse case scenarios now. Coronavirus has now become the most important swing factor influencing everything from demand, to supply, to the evolving TV competitive landscape.”
