LED industry demand is booming, causing downstream epitaxial manufacturers to upstream package manufacturers to face the possibility of an undersupply situation. LED demands started strengthening from 4Q13 to 2Q14, said Zhang Shixian, Deputy General Manager of Epistar. Zhang estimates that demands will continue increasing in 3Q14. Epistar’s production capacity has already reached 90 percent. The company is now concerned that supply will not meet demand after 3Q14.
Backlight and lighting applications grew in April and delivery volume increased in 2Q14, said Lextar. Shipment for direct view backlight products was strong, noted the company. In terms of lighting application, lighting modules received orders from European client OEMs. Volume of tube lighting for Japanese brands also increased. Moreover, products including MR16, T5 tube lights, and panel lighting will continue to be shipped to the U.S., Japan, Europe, and other countries in 2Q14.