TrendForce conducted an investigation on January 21, analyzing the repercussions of the 6.4-magnitude earthquake that struck Chiayi on neighboring foundries and panel manufacturing facilities. The earthquake, which exceeded intensity level 4 in Tainan, prompted emergency evacuations and shutdown inspections at TSMC and UMC's factories located in the city. While these factories have yet to report substantial equipment damage, the presence of debris in furnace tube machines is inevitable. Given Tainan's significance as a key panel production hub, the precise extent of the damage remains to be ascertained. This seismic event could potentially exacerbate the already tight supply situation for TV panels in the first quarter of 2025.
