LCD panel prices are increasing just as the peak TV shopping season approaches, with major manufacturers raising costs in anticipation of Black Friday and end-of-year sales. Reports suggest that three key LCD panel makers have decided to increase prices to protect their profits. Samsung, one of the world’s largest TV producers, is reportedly considering reducing its QLED TV production by up to 80% this year. Major TV brands like Samsung, Sony, and LG now depend on a small group of Chinese panel manufacturers—BOE, TCL CSOT, and HKC—since Samsung Display and LG Display have stopped producing LCD panels. These Chinese companies are limiting production to manage excess supply and stabilize prices, according to The Elec. TCL CSOT and HKC are expected to raise prices in September 2026, while BOE plans to do so in the fourth quarter of the year. This shift highlights growing concerns that China’s dominance in the LCD supply chain could lead to greater influence over panel pricing. The price increases may challenge TV manufacturers, as many have already secured their LCD panel orders for the upcoming holiday season. This could make LCD TVs less affordable, especially for companies operating on thin profit margins. Samsung, in particular, is shifting its focus away from QLED TVs, which use LCD panels combined with quantum dots to enhance color and brightness. QLED was introduced as a more affordable alternative to OLED technology, but as OLED improves and captures the premium market, QLED has increasingly been used in budget models. Samsung is reportedly cutting QLED production from 10 million units to just 2-3 million this year and is considering phasing out QLED entirely by 2028. The company is shifting its attention to mini-LED and Micro RGB LED technologies, which are seen as more advanced alternatives. The high-end Neo QLED line is also being scaled back, with plans to produce only half as many units next year. In contrast, Samsung’s new budget Mini-LED TVs and its top-tier Micro RGB R95H model have shown promising improvements in image quality. While quantum dots are still being explored in other technologies like QD-OLED and QD-EL, the rising cost of LCD panels could further influence Samsung’s strategy in the TV market.