Samsung Elec raises 2006 global LCD market outlook

SEOUL, Mar 30 (Reuters) Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., the world's second-biggest maker of large liquid crystal display (LCD) panels, raised on Thursday its forecast for 2006 global LCD sales amid booming demand for flat-screen televisions.

Asia's most valuable technology company expects the large LCD panel market to grow to 265 million units this year, compared with 256 million units it forecast in January.

The revised forecast, in a statement on Samsung's Web site (www.sec.co.kr), represents a 30.5 per cent growth from 203 million units sold in 2005.

Samsung, which was only behind home rival LG.Philips LCD Co.

Ltd. in large-sized LCD panel shipment in 2005, also said demand for LCD TV panels was expected to rise 58 per cent this year to 44 million, up from a 40 million forecast in January.

''Phenomenal unit growth with 32-inch and above sizes (are) making up over 53 per cent of the total (LCD TV) market,'' the company said.

Flat-screen makers are boosting output as consumers snap up large, sleek televisions to replace bulky tubes. More affordable prices and buying ahead of this year's World Cup soccer tournament are underpinning demand.

Samsung aimed for a more than 40 per cent share in the market for 40-inch or larger LCD TV panels -- the key battle ground for flat-screen TVs -- in 2006, the company added.

Shares in Samsung fell 0.48 per cent to end at 623,000 won, compared with the wider market's 0.41 per cent gain.

REUTERS SD DS1616