While high-capacitance multi-layer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) are in serious shortage this month, industry sources have mixed predictions as to whether the shortage will ease next month.
Some sources with Japanese MLCC makers said it has been difficult to secure supply of high-capacitance MLCCs in September, but the shortage will ease in October when makers ramp up production from new facilities.
However, other sources with Japanese makers indicated that it is not easy to expand capacity for the technologically demanding high-capacitance MLCCs. They predicted that the shortage will last at least until the end of the year, with supply falling 30% short of demand.
Sources with Taiwan's passive components makers agreed that the shortage will last beyond October to at least November, particularly for products of special specifications. They pointed out that during the second quarter it took 5-6 weeks to deliver X5R MLCCs to clients, but during the third quarter the delivery time extended to 8-10 weeks.
Article translated by Rodney Chan and edited by Eric Mah
