BOE Faces U.S. Export Threat After Ruling in Samsung Trade Secret Case
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A preliminary ruling by a U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has found that China’s BOE Technology Group Co. Ltd. misappropriated trade secrets from South Korean giant Samsung Display Co. Ltd., potentially jeopardizing BOE’s ability to export certain high-end OLED display screens to America.
The ITC issued the initial decision in mid-July, according to documents seen by Caixin. The agency sided with Samsung Display’s allegations, concluding that BOE failed to prove it developed the disputed organic light emitting diode (OLED) technology independently or obtained it from public sources.
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- The US ITC’s preliminary ruling found China’s BOE misappropriated Samsung Display’s OLED trade secrets, recommending a limited import ban on relevant products.
- In Q2 2025, BOE overtook LG Display in iPhone panel shipments (22.7% vs. 21.3%), while Samsung Display held 56%.
- A final decision could restrict BOE’s US exports, but impact may be limited as most US iPhones are assembled outside the US and BOE’s US sales are minimal.
- BOE Technology Group Co. Ltd.
- BOE Technology Group Co. Ltd. (京东方科技集团股份有限公司) is a Chinese display manufacturer. A U.S. ITC preliminary ruling found BOE misappropriated trade secrets from Samsung, potentially leading to an import ban on its OLED screens. Despite this, BOE is a significant supplier of iPhone panels, having recently surpassed LG Display in market share.
- Samsung Display Co. Ltd.
- Samsung Display Co. Ltd. is a South Korean giant in the OLED display market. They have accused China's BOE Technology Group Co. Ltd. of misappropriating trade secrets, a claim upheld in a preliminary U.S. International Trade Commission ruling. Samsung Display is the dominant supplier of iPhone panels, holding 56% of the market in Q2 2025. They were involved in a previous patent dispute with BOE that concluded in March 2025.
- LG Display Co. Ltd.
- In the second quarter of 2025, LG Display Co. Ltd. held 21.3% of the market share for iPhone panel shipments. This placed them behind BOE Technology Group (22.7%) and Samsung Display Co. Ltd. (56%), marking the first time BOE surpassed LG in this segment.
- Apple Inc.
- Apple Inc. is a major client for OLED display screens, notably for its iPhone. BOE became an iPhone display supplier in late 2020 and its OLED panels have been certified for Apple's upcoming iPhone 17 Pro. While Apple is a major client, most iPhones sold in the U.S. are assembled in India, with BOE supplying panels for international models.
- Late 2020：
- BOE became an iPhone display supplier.
- March 2025：
- A separate patent infringement case between BOE and Samsung Display concluded, with the ITC finding infringement but allowing BOE to continue selling the products in the U.S.
- April 2025：
- BOE CEO Feng Qiang stated in an earnings call that direct sales to the U.S. were minimal.
- Second quarter of 2025：
- BOE’s share of iPhone panel shipments overtook LG Display for the first time, reaching 22.7% compared to LG's 21.3%, according to UBI Research.
- Mid-July 2025：
- The ITC issued a preliminary ruling siding with Samsung Display, finding BOE misappropriated trade secrets and recommending a limited exclusion order and a cease-and-desist order.
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