LGD faces 3Q24 losses, but eyes turnaround in 4Q with OLED shipments for iPhone 16 series

LG Display (LGD) is expected to report losses in the third quarter of 2024, driven by sluggish IT OLED sales, rising raw material costs, and the depreciation of the Korean won against the US dollar. Despite these challenges, the company anticipates an improvement in its fourth-quarter performance as it enhances operational efficiency and begins shipping OLED panels for the iPhone 16 series.

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iPhone 16 series faces fierce competition as Samsung and Xiaomi deliver counterpunches

Despite mixed reviews globally for Apple’s iPhone 16 series, strong support from telecom companies, retail distributors, and e-commerce platforms has driven sales of the iPhone 16 series in Taiwan to new heights. Estimates suggest that fourth-quarter shipments could increase by 15-20% compared to the iPhone 15, outperforming the global average.

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Samsung SDI bets big on lithium batteries amid strategic shift, enters LFP market for niche applications

Samsung SDI recently announced its intention to focus more on its lithium battery business by selling its polarizer division to a Chinese manufacturer for KRW1.1 trillion (approx. US$820 million). The company aims to enter the lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery segment to complete its comprehensive battery product lineup, as outlined in its strategic business plan unveiled earlier in 2024.

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Can Taiwan firms survive next to EV battery giants?

Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries for use in electric vehicles (EV) are regarded as the second most important strategic industry in many countries, after semiconductors. Manufacturers in Europe, the US, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan have increasingly emerged in recent years, even though South Korean and Chinese manufacturers still control 70% of the worldwide Li-ion battery industry.

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Will EU dispute derail Taiwan’s offshore wind ambitions?

Taiwan’s ambitious offshore wind plans are facing a significant challenge as the island nation grapples with a dispute with the European Union over local content requirements. The contentious issue, centered on Rounds 3.1 and 3.2 of Taiwan’s offshore wind auctions, has raised concerns about the potential retroactive application of these requirements. However, Dr. Chung-Hsien Chen from Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs has provided reassurance, emphasizing that retroactive application is not being considered.

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