Typhoons and earthquakes that have plagued Japan, Taiwan and China this month could have a serious impact on the display supply chain, according to a report by DisplaySearch analysts.
The DisplaySearch Blog reported that whilst natural disasters are always watched for their potential impact on glass production, this month’s events are of particular concern due to an existing glass substrate shortage.
Sharp, according to the blog, could have problems with LCD production at its Kameyama plant due to disruption at Corning’s Kagegawa glass factory caused by an earthquake that hit Shizouka prefecture in Japan.
DisplaySearch mooted the possibility that Corning could supply Sharp with glass produced outside Japan but, suggested if the product came from Taiwan it would further tighten supply there. Alternatively it came from Samsung Corning Precision in Korea then it would probably affect LG Display.
The blog pinpointed Samsung, which could be said to have an internal glass supplier, as the only well protected panel maker.