Taiwan’s photomask makers are seeking more overseas orders as they continue facing difficulties to gain orders from the local semiconductor manufacturers, according to sources.
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) and United Microelectronics Corporation (UMC) are the major demand drivers for photomasks in Asia. However, TSMC traditionally produces its own photomasks, while demand from UMC is insufficient to support the local makers, the sources said.
TSMC needs over 100 photomask sets per month, with UMC requiring 40-50% and DRAM makers 10-20% of that figure, the sources estimated.
Photronics Semiconductor Mask Corporation (PSMC) has gained increasing mask orders for 0.18-micron and below processes from Japan and US, thanks to support from major shareholder US-based Photronics. Orders from overseas increased 15% year-on-year in the first quarter and surpassed orders from customers in Taiwan, according to a company source.
Toppan Chunghwa Electronics (TPE) now sees 30% of its orders from China, North Asia and Southeast Asia. Dupont Photomasks Taiwan (DPT) are pursuing orders from China-based He Jian Technology, company sources said.
Article translated by Jack Lu and edited by Jack Lu
