MLCC vendors including Samsung Electro-Mechanics (Semco) and TDK are likely to raise their quotes for high-capacitance MLCCs in response to stronger-than-expected demand for 5G handset and automotive applications, according to channel distribution sources.
Their sales agents in Taiwan have yet to receive "official" price-hike notifications from either vendors, the sources said, but Semco has already disclosed intention to raise quotes starting March.
Taiwan's major MLCC makers Yageo and Walsin Technology declined to comment on possible quotes adjustments by foreign peers, but noted they will closely monitor related pricing development.
The sources said demand for high-capacitance MLCCs for 5G handsets, notebooks and automotive electronics applications has been strong over the past months, and delivery lead times have been extended from 10-14 weeks to 14-18 weeks, and even longer for offerings with capacitance of over 1uF.
Yageo and Walsin have seen their shipment lead times extended to 20 weeks since January, inspiring them to expect bright shipments prospects for first-half 2021, the sources said, adding both makers are ramping up capacity utilization at their plants in China.
Japan's top MLCC maker Murata Manufacturing has seen the majority of its capacity occupied by automotive and handset clients since second-half 2020, with delivery lead times averaging at 16 weeks, and 5-6 months for automotive-use MLCCs, the sources said.
As the recent quake hitting northeastern Japan has not disrupted production at Murata's plants in the region, the sources continued, its peers in Taiwan are not expected to see orders transferred from its clients.
