In 2006, global shipment volume of large area TFT-LCD panels reached 270 mln units, with shipment value reaching $49.5 bln, posting respective growth rates of 29.4% and 13.9% in comparison with 2005. Shipment volume in 2007 is expected to hit 320 mln units, bumping up the shipment value to over US$55.3 bln. Annual growth rate for both, however, is projected to slow down slightly, mainly because the industry is now at the end of the growth stage in its lifecycle. Several trends are playing a key role in the industry. The abundance of production lines and further capacity increases may lead to price pressure and price competition, Research and Markets says.