It seems that BOE could soon lose some clients from the US if the US ITC (International Trade Commission) decides against the Chinese company. To recall, two years ago, Samsung filed a lawsuit against the Chinese panel maker. It suggested that BOE stole trade secrets from Samsung. Now, the US ITC decision could lead to a ban on the import of BOE panels into the US.
BOE Displays Could Be Banned From the United States
According to sources familiar with the matter, the ITC has ruled to ban the import of BOE’s OLED panels into the US for the next 14 years and 8 months. The ruling isn’t final, but the findings that BOE and its seven affiliates have violated the US Tariff Act by selling its panel through misappropriation of Samsung’s trade secrets are substantial. The final verdict is due in November, but experts and analysts believe that the court will likely uphold the ban.
If the ITC carries out the ban, Samsung will get some breathing room. Whether BOE has violated or not the trade secrets, the company certainly has some interest if BOE ends up unable to deal with the US. The Chinese display maker is giving Samsung a good level of competition in the country. It is challenging the Korean firm’s hegemony. BOE’s OLED panels are no match for Samsung in terms of quality and performance, while undercutting prices.
Apple, HP, and DELL Get Displays From BOE
Apple could be one of the companies hit by a potential ban. BOE currently supplies about 22.7% of OLED displays for the iPhones. If the decision goes forward in November, Apple will be forced to source more of its panels from Samsung and LG. While Apple is a huge client, it also supplies displays for HP and DELL in their products.
Since the decision is not final, there is still a long way to go until November. It’s hard to predict what will happen, especially with the ongoing tensions between the US and China due to Trump’s Tariffs.
