GlobalWafers: Wafer prices to soar 20 percent this year

GlobalWafers chairwoman Doris Hsu predicts the pricing of blank silicon wafers will increase 20 percent this year. Supply is unable to keep up with demand, and especially the 300mm wafer segment will be hit hard:

The 12-inch segment will see the worst shortages, Hsu said. GlobalWafers has received orders occupying all its capacity through 2018 and its 16 plants worldwide will have to run 365 days in the year, she noted, adding it will increase capacity mainly for 12- and 8-inch wafers by about 7% through removing manufacturing bottlenecks in May-July 2018.

Despite strong demand, GlobalWafers faces risks from changes in foreign exchange rates in 2018 because 80% of the orders are based on the US dollar, Hsu said.

How much this will impact the pricing of PC components remains to be seen. It could be another blow to PC gamers, but blank wafers aren't that expensive so the price increase of finished products could be relatively small.

Via: DigiTimes