China imports LCD panels at higher cost

China imported 1.95 billion LCD (liquid crystal display) panels in 2007, a growth of 9.5 percent over the previous year, sources with the General Administration of Customs said on Sunday.

The arrivals were valued at 40.75 billion U.S. dollar, up 26.5 percent. The import prices were averaged at 20.9 U.S. dollars per unit, up 15.5 percent.

The price rise was due partly to strong demand on international markets, according to the customs sources.

Approximately 1.38 billion imported LCD panels, 70.8 percent of the total, went to foreign-funded enterprises, up 12.9 percent.

The customs sources said most of the imports were large seven-generation products, whereas domestically made products were four- and five-generation ones.