Ajinomoto

Ajinomoto

2026-08-26 03:55:17

Ajinomoto confirms priority ABF film allocation for high-end AI, putting Taiwan substrate makers in focus

Ajinomoto, the dominant supplier of ABF film used in advanced IC substrates, has told customers it will shift to differentiated allocation because of raw material shortages, prioritizing AI and other high-end applications. A channel survey cited by Meritz Securities said the company’s ABF film lines are expected to be fully loaded through the second quarter of 2026, with little near-term relief from new capacity. The move matters because ABF film is a key insulating layer in FC-BGA packaging for CPUs, GPUs and AI accelerators. While it accounts for only a small part of substrate cost, supply disruptions can halt production lines. The report said Ajinomoto has maintained more than 95% global market share in the segment. The supply squeeze is already showing up in lead times and pricing. Lead times have stretched from three to four months at the start of the year to more than 12 months, and some customers are already discussing 2029 capacity. The article pointed to rising demand from larger AI chips, including NVIDIA’s next-generation Rubin GPU, and expanding CoWoS packaging capacity at TSMC. According to the report, Taiwan’s Unimicron, Nan Ya PCB and Kinsus could benefit first because they already have high-end production scale, yield performance and customer qualifications. At the same time, non-AI customers are likely to face reduced allocation, longer waits and higher costs, while glass substrates are not expected to become a volume replacement before 2027.

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AI servers

2026-08-21 04:47:03

Ajinomoto cuts ABF build-up film supply to some customers, putting SAS Group in focus for order diversion

Ajinomoto, which the report says controls more than 90% of the global ABF build-up film market, is facing tight capacity as AI server demand pushes up the need for FC-BGA substrate materials. Its monthly output has exceeded 2 million square meters, but production lines were already close to full utilization in the second quarter of this year. Against that backdrop, the Japanese supplier has reportedly moved to selective shipments, prioritizing domestic Japanese customers and core overseas accounts. Some Chinese manufacturers were notified that supply could be reduced by about 30%. The development has drawn attention to Taiwan-based Sino-American Silicon Products Inc. (5483) and its subsidiary Crystalwise Technology. Crystalwise, founded in 2015 and brought under the group at the end of 2024, is described in the source report as Taiwan’s first local maker to complete in-house R&D and mass production of insulating build-up film. SAS currently holds about 50.8% of the company. With products already certified by multiple customers in Taiwan and overseas and now in small-volume shipments, Crystalwise is seen as a potential second-source supplier if substrate makers accelerate supply diversification.

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Ajinomoto

2026-08-20 03:49:24

Ajinomoto says ABF film powers high-margin chip materials business with over 95% global share

Ajinomoto, best known as a Japanese food company, said its electronic materials business delivered outsized profit in the latest quarter, driven by ABF, or Ajinomoto Build-up Film, a key insulating layer used in IC substrates for advanced processors. The company said the segment generated JPY 33.1 billion in revenue and JPY 19.1 billion in business profit, implying a 57.7% margin. While the unit accounted for about 8% of group revenue, it contributed 32% of profit. According to the company, ABF holds more than 95% of the global market for insulating films used in high-performance semiconductors. The material is used in substrates for high-end CPUs and GPUs, and demand has benefited from larger AI accelerator packages, more substrate layers, tighter line widths, and stricter thermal expansion requirements. Ajinomoto said growth came from an improved product mix rather than price increases. The report also outlined competitive and technological pressure, including efforts by Sekisui Chemical, U.S. startup Thintronics, and longer-term interest in glass substrates. In response, Ajinomoto is expanding capacity in Japan, with investment already underway in Gunma and Kawasaki and more spending planned through 2030.

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AI Supply Cha

2026-07-02 00:23:59

The Hidden AI Winners: TOTO, Nittobo, Ajinomoto Surge on Semiconductor Ceramic Demand; A-share Substitution Opportunities Emerge

TOTO, a Japanese bathroom fixture maker, has seen its stock soar due to its semiconductor precision ceramics business benefiting from AI demand. Nittobo and Ajinomoto are similarly positioned as hidden players in the AI supply chain. Meanwhile, China's A-share market is experiencing domestic substitution and supply-demand gaps, creating new growth opportunities. This report reveals the unsung heroes of the AI boom.

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AI demand

2026-07-02 00:23:59

Hidden AI Winners: How TOTO, Ajinomoto and A-Share Suppliers Ride the Semiconductor Wave

在 AI 需求爆发背景下，东陶（TOTO）凭借半导体精密陶瓷业务实现股价大涨，尽管其传统卫浴业务仍是基本盘，但半导体陶瓷贡献了大部分利润。类似情况也发生在 Nittobo（日本硝子）和味之素（Ajinomoto）等公司，它们在 AI 供应链中占据关键位置。A 股市场同样经历着国产替代和供需缺口带来的增长机会，投资者可关注这些“隐秘”的 AI 赢家。

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