Taiwan-based TFT-LCD panel makers AU Optronics (AUO), Chi Mei Optoelectronics (CMO) and Chunghwa Picture Tubes (CPT), under the arrangement by the government-sponsored Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), will sign memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with nine China-based consumer electronics vendors in Beijing on January 20 for 2010 supply of panels worth about US$5 billion.

    The nine vendors, Haier, Hisense, TCL, Konka, Skyworth, Changhong, Panda, SVA Group and Xiamen Overseas Chinese Electronics (Xoceco), purchased LCD panels worth about US$4 billion from the three suppliers in 2009 under a similar collective procurement deal, according to industry sources.