Prices for 32-inch LCD TV panels have risen 25% to US$95 since March 2014 mainly due to continued demand from Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics, which has benefited China Star Optoelectronics Technology (CSOT) and BOE Technology, as they are currently the two largest 32-inch TV panel makers, according to Taiwan-based supply chain makers.

Previously other panel makers from Korea and Taiwan were focused on production of 32-inch open cell TV panels but due to rising competition from China makers coupled with increased demand for larger-size units they shifted gears away from the panel size.

As Taiwan and Korea panel makers focus on production of Ultra HD TV panels and other panel products with higher profit margins, CSOT has seen its shipments of 32-inch panels remain steady, which are expected to reach 18 million in 2014. CSOT also has a second 8.5G line that will go into operation in 2015, which will push its shipments of 32-inch TV panels to around 18-19 million, while its overall TV panel shipments are expected to reach between 26-27 million.

BOE meanwhile is also expanding production through increased 8.5G facilities expected to go into production in 2015 as well, which coupled with rising pricing for the panels should benefit its performance.

Despite the increased pricing, global 32-inch TV panel shipments are expected to reach 75 million in 2015, down from 78 million in 2014 and hold an overall 29% proportion in the TV market in 2015, down from 39% in 2013, according to DisplaySearch.