Surge in power semiconductor demand meets tight capacity. 8-inch wafer foundry prices are rising across the board.

DB HiTek plans a single-digit percentage price hike per wafer starting Q2. The Korean foundry mainly runs 8-inch BCD process with over 90% utilization at its Bucheon and Sangwoo fabs. Industry sources expect a 3% to 5% increase.

SMIC moved early – late last year it notified customers of a 10% price hike for 8-inch BCD process chips.

UMC sent letters on April 16, signaling a price adjustment in the second half. The news sent UMC’s stock to an NT$80.2 high – a 25-year peak. UMC said the move reflects supply-demand and ongoing investment costs.

PSMC (Powerchip) is following. President Chu noted DRAM foundry prices were raised sharply in March, NAND flash foundry prices in April, plus 12‑inch logic hikes. PSMC has transformed into an AI‑focused foundry, with 3D AI Foundry as its third pillar.

Vanguard raised prices in April. Analysts expect gross margin improvement, with a target price of NT$155. Vanguard cited rising costs for equipment, materials, energy, precious metals, labor, and transport.

Behind the hikes: major players are cutting 8-inch capacity. Samsung plans to shut down its Giheung 6‑2 line for 8-inch wafers. TSMC is also reducing 8-inch capacity. Meanwhile, demand for power semiconductors, PMIC, DDI, CIS is growing strongly – supply gap widens.

An industry official said pricing discussions have been ongoing since late last year, and utilization will remain high this year as customers secure inventory.

ICgoodFind : 8-inch foundry prices are rising fast – driven by capacity cuts and cost pressure. We track the mature process supply chain for you.