Despite Ongoing Dispute, Samsung and BOE Near Agreement on LCD Supply

Back in 2022, Samsung halted production of LCD panels to focus on Quantum Dot and OLED technologies. It now relies on third-party display manufacturers such as CSOT and LG Display for its LCD TVs. The Korean firm appears to be diversifying its supply chain and may soon reach an agreement with Chinese display maker BOE, despite their ongoing legal battles over patent infringement.

BOE may enter Samsung’s TV LCD panel supply chain once again

In May 2025, BOE met with Samsung to discuss important issues regarding advertising royalties and long-term LCD panel supply commitments. According to a report from TheElec, BOE offered Samsung that it will supply over 20 million LCD panels for Samsung’s TVs for three years from 2026 to 2028. On top of that, BOE agreed to bear some advertisement royalty payments.

In case you are unaware, BOE was part of Samsung’s TV LCD supply chain until 2023. However, the relationship worsened when BOE refused to pay advertising royalties, reportedly amounting to around 100 billion won (approx $73 million). As a result, Samsung reduced its orders from the Chinese panel maker and eventually removed it from its supply chain.

The two companies now appear willing to revisit the partnership. According to the publication, senior executives from BOE will visit Samsung’s TV business unit in South Korea. This will be their second meeting following one in May, suggesting that negotiations are progressing and BOE may soon enter the supply chain again.

Samsung’s internal policy does not allow any single vendor to account for more than 35% of its total LCD panel requirements for TVs. However, in recent years, Samsung’s reliance on CSOT has increased greatly after LG Display sold its Guangzhou LCD factory to CSOT. As Samsung buys a large number of LCD panels — around 40 million units per year — the company is now looking to diversify its supplier base.

Traditionally, Samsung starts its TV production in the third quarter of the year to prepare for launches in the following year. So, it is expected that negotiations with BOE will be completed before the end of the third quarter. We will let you know if the two companies strike an agreement in the coming months.