Korea and China competing for supply chain superiority in flexible OLED

Market research firm UBI Research said on Dec. 13 that the market of OLED components and materials for use in mobile devices is expected to grow to US$13.9 billion in 2023 and US$16.7 billion in 2027 with an average annual growth of 4.6 percent.

“In 2025, the flexible OLED segment including foldable OLED will account for 90 percent of the mobile OLED market,” it said, adding, “The segment is expected to grow 7 percent a year from US$12 billion to US$15.6 billion from 2023 to 2027.”

The firm pointed out that China’s mobile OLED material and component purchase would increase much faster than South Korea’s. “China is predicted to increase its purchase 6.2 percent a year to reach US$7.94 billion in 2027 while South Korea’s is forecast to increase 3.2 percent a year to reach US$8.79 billion in 2027,” it said.

China’s faster increase in purchase implies that its presence will increase in mobile OLED industry supply chains. “China taking the lead will adversely affect South Korean consumer electronics manufacturers with their profitability and inventory situations already deteriorating,” an industry expert said.

Source: BusinessKorea