Notebook component suppliers such as panel and touch panel makers are expected to see only slight growth in March as notebook vendors continue to expect weak demand in the first half of 2014, according to industry sources.

　　In March, supply chains usually start to see a noticeable increase in component orders as vendors prepare to release new units in the second quarter. However, as vendors expect the market to decline further in 2014, orders are expected to be minimal, similar to those in January 2014, the sources said.

　　Despite the order declines, the sources said they expect to see a supply imbalance for 15.6-, 14- and 11.6-inch panels, as they are specialized sizes that only certain panel makers produce. Most other panel makers in the market have switched to producing small- to medium-size panels for use in smartphones and tablets, the sources added.

　　Even though component orders are expected to see weak demand through March 2014 into the second quarter of the year, panel makers focusing on such specialized products may not necessarily see decreased performances due to less competition, the sources speculated.