2H25 Global Foundry: AI Lifts Loads; Spot Hikes

Last Modified

2025-10-07

Update Frequency

Aperiodically

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PDF

AI and smartphone demand lift 2H foundry utilization; Semiconductor tariffs pending and low inventory spur rush orders. China's mature nodes tighten, prices stabilize.

Key Highlights

Semiconductor tariffs, AI, and smartphone season sustain strong utilization in 2H.
Taiwan foundries benefit from AI power-chip rush orders and client restocking.
Power and BCD nodes see spot hikes; pricing pressure eases.
China's mature lines run full; 12-inch expansion tempers momentum.
Low inventory but weak end demand; outlook hinges on tariffs and macro trends.

Introduction
Taiwan-Based Foundries Benefit from Customers' Inventory Replenishment and Rush Orders for AI-Related Power Components, Posting Higher-than-Expected Utilization Rates in 4Q25
Demand for Localized Production to Persist Until End of Year; Chinese Foundries Initiated Price Hikes in 2H25
- Changes to Capacity Utilization among Global Foundries in 2025 (8”)
- Changes to Capacity Utilization among Global Foundries in 2025 (12”)
Prospect on 2026 Remains to be seen despite Generally Low Inventory of Components

Changes to Capacity Utilization among Global Foundries in 2025 (8”)