Panel research division of TrendForce, WitsView, indicated that issues with notebook computer panel supply chain, such as material shortage, labor shortage, and logistic disruptions, were gradually resolved starting in April. The resolution of these issues, combined with rising WFH and distance education demand brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, resulted in a strong wave of panel demand in 2Q20. TrendForce projects 2Q20 notebook panel shipment to reach 53.3 million units with a 17.7% increase YoY and 33.6% increase QoQ.

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TrendForce Research Manager Jeff Yang pointed out that 1H20 notebook panel shipment outperformed expectations set by the cyclical downturn of the period due to demand from WFH and distance education. Panel suppliers are now optimistic about the possibility for this demand to last until 3Q20.

As many countries have lifted lockdown limitations, the end markets are expected to rise with notebook brands shifting their sales focus from commercial and public applications to the consumer market. Mini LED backlight displays are thus seeing an hiking demand in the second half of the year.

Notebook brands such as Acer, ASUS, Lenovo and MSI have released their notebook and monitor products adopting Mini LED backlight technology in 2H20. As the notebook panel shipment increase, it is expected that the demands for Mini LED will grow as well. Furthermore, many believe that Apple will launch the rumored Mini LED-based iPad Pro and MacBook in the second half of 2020, which might lead to another wave for Mini LED demand.