Navigating a Changing LCM Industry: AUO's Decision to Set Up LCM Plant in Eastern Europe

AUO recently announced that it plans to set up a LCM assembly plant in Europe, with more specific details of the plan expected to be released in the third quarter of 2008. Its goals are to improve delivery time for European clients and lower import duty burdens. As import duties in the European Union and China are being raised, panel manufacturers' strategies are becoming more client-oriented instead of cost-oriented. This report will analyze the current state of import duties for LCD panel components and LCMs worldwide. It will also examine the global deployment of major LCM makers in Europe, China, and Vietnam, including AUO' s decision to set up a LCM plant in Europe.