A division of market research firm TrendForce, WitsView, has released a new report which reveals that LCD TV shipments increased by 1.6 percent annually across the globe to reach 219.2 million units. The shipment growth has been attributed to strong sales in North America and the increasing affordability of large TVs. Samsung remained the top LCD TV vendor last year as it shipped 47.9 million units across the globe.
Despite its impressive performance compared to its rivals, Samsung posted a flat annual growth rate for 2016 as it had to deal with shortages for mid-size panels through the year. Samsung's shipments were particularly affected by the earthquake in southern Taiwan in February last year which caused supply shortages.
Samsung is now believed to close to inking a sourcing deal with LG Display which will see its rival's display division supply LCD panels to the company. Samsung may start receiving LCD panels from LG by June this year. LG was the second on the list of top LCD TV vendors last year as it shipped 28.2 million units globally.
