August 2, 2000

Taipei - - Taiwan's major manufacturers of CRTs, including Chunghwa and Philips,

plan to increase prices of their CRTs in the third quarter of this year, reflecting an shortage of CRT glass supplies just a a time of increasing demand, local media reported.

Following several prices hikes in the first half, Chunghwa plans to further raise prices this month. Philips Taiwan says it will likely raise prices of 14- and 15-inch CRTs in August.

The company points out that 17-inch types dominate the market, but 14- and 15-inch tubes still represent a considerable share of the developing-world market. As many world leading CRT makers emphasize production of 17-inch models, this results in a shortage of 14- and 15-inch tubes, Philips Taiwan reports.