Small-size LCD panel market to grow at 3% a year

Driven by increasing demand for mobile phones and digital still cameras (DSCs), the market for all types of small-size LCD panels will swell to 3.2 bln units by 2008, rising at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3% from 2.8 bln in 2004, iSuppli predicts. Market revenues will increase to US$22 bln in 2008, rising at a CAGR of 4% from US$19 bln in 2004. iSuppli defines small-size LCDs as displays that are less than 10 inches in diagonal size. The market for small LCDs includes both active- and passive-matrix (AM and PM) displays. Although the CAGR for small-size LCDs may seem low, the growth rate of the AM LCD segment is much more vigorous than that of the overall market.

The market for small-size AM LCDs will grow to 850 mln units in 2008, up from 404 mln units in 2004, representing a CAGR of more than 20%, iSuppli predicts. AM revenues in the small-size LCD market will grow to US$19 bln in 2008, up from US$12 bln 2004. The share of small-size LCD unit shipments accounted for by AM LCD displays will rise to 26% by 2008, up from 14% in 2004. AM will account for 86% of all small-size LCD revenues in 2008, up from 63% in 2004.