Silicon wafer prices post first notable increase since the pandemic, with 12-inch products already seeing new quotes

Silicon wafer prices are posting their first notable increase since the COVID-19 pandemic, according to an Economic Daily report cited by ChainCatcher. The adjustment covers the full lineup of 6-inch, 8-inch, and 12-inch wafers, with price increases starting at 10%.

The report said market participants see this as the first wafer price increase in more than three years. It added that major Taiwan silicon wafer suppliers including GlobalWafers, Taiwan Speciality Silicon, and Wafer Works may benefit through improved revenue and profit.

Suppliers comment on pricing and demand

GlobalWafers said demand in some end markets has been improving recently, and inventory correction across the supply chain is in better shape than before. The company said market signals are more positive than last year, though pricing still depends on product type, specifications, and customer conditions.

Taiwan Speciality Silicon said it has started discussing price adjustments with customers as cost pressure and demand provide support. The company said its second-half operations could be better than the first half.

Wafer Works said it is actively negotiating price revisions with customers and continues to push related products tied to advanced packaging.

12-inch, 8-inch, and 6-inch wafers are all part of the move

Industry analysis cited in the report said the latest price increase mainly reflects a pickup in chip demand driven by AI. Higher usage in both advanced-node and mature-node manufacturing is gradually feeding through to the upstream silicon wafer sector.

Negotiations between suppliers and customers are progressing at different speeds. According to the report, some 12-inch polished wafers have already moved to new double-digit percentage pricing, while 8-inch and 6-inch products are also being discussed along a similar upward path.