Monitor prices might rise five percent as manufacturers stockpile panels ahead of possible China tariffs

Leading monitor makers are stocking up on display panels to brace for China’s retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods, with inventories possibly hitting three million units. Analysts say monitor prices could climb by around five percent as overall system costs keep increasing.

Second-tier monitor brands are feeling the squeeze the most, since they have less leverage in a super-competitive environment and are dealing with fast-dropping prices. They might end up paying more to secure production capacity, while first-tier brands like Dell, HP, and Samsung Electronics can rely on their stronger capacity selection to better handle the tariff fallout.

Monitor panel demand has been climbing steadily since late 2024, and shipments in the first quarter of 2025 are on track to beat last quarter’s numbers. This momentum is holding firm even during normally slow periods, partly because LCD TV panel prices spiked earlier. Since panel makers tend to prioritize TV panel production (it’s more profitable), it’s getting tougher to lock down enough monitor panels.

Overall, market demand could grow by two to three million units, but how things develop will depend on how each brand handles sourcing in light of the shifting geopolitical situation. The bigger players are already building up both panel and system inventories to help cushion the blow from higher U.S. tariffs.

And it’s not just monitor makers dealing with these changes. Broader industry trends show that companies like ASRock plan to shift production to Vietnam and Taiwan. Still, these locations come with their own challenges, including possible semiconductor tariffs of up to 100 percent—part of an ongoing effort to shift global manufacturing patterns.