Demand for Flat Panel and CRT Display Material to Increase

World demand for material used in flat-panel and cathode-ray-tube (CRT) displays is expected to grow 12 percent per year through 2008, reaching nearly $22 billion, according to a recent survey by Cleveland-based research firm the Freedonia Group.

Glass is expected to remain the single largest material component, although chemicals, coatings and films will significantly increase their overall market presence, the study predicts. By 2008, both components will account for about 26 percent of market demand, with a slight advantage being held by the chemicals segment.

By 2008, more than 90 percent of total world demand for CRT and flat-panel material will be concentrated in Asia and the Pacific region as display production increases rapidly in countries such as South Korea, Taiwan and China, according to the Freedonia Group.

Flat panel demand will be focused in South Korea, Taiwan and Japan, while CRT material will be more diffuse worldwide.