Wafer foundry leader TSMC (2330-TW)(TSM-US) It is rumored that the wafer foundry price will increase once more next year, by regarding 6%, and its customers also confirmed in a low-key manner that they did receive a price increase notice today (10); TSMC responded and did not comment on the price issue.
TSMC has successively raised its foundry prices since the fourth quarter of last year. The price increase for mature processes is the highest, reaching 20%, while the price for advanced processes is increased by regarding 8%.
However, since the beginning of this year, the tight supply of semiconductor chips has eased slightly, and the industry boom has also heard noises one following another. The market is worried that mature processes may face oversupply, resulting in some chip prices not moving.
However, the recent delay in the delivery of semiconductor equipment has led to a delay in the construction schedule of various foundries, and the launch of new production capacity has been delayed. Next year, the foundry production capacity will continue to be tight.
Regarding the wafer foundry price trend, President Wei Zhejia also emphasized recently that TSMC’s pricing is not short-term or speculative, but strategic pricing. Despite the economic reversal that the market is worried regarding, TSMC will not cut prices to respond.