The global shortage of chips is growing, and Taiwanese wafer companies plan to raise prices sharply.

According to Taiwan's Economic Daily, the mature foundry process is in short supply, and it is reported that the price will be raised by up to 30% in the third quarter, far higher than the 15% expected by the market. Among them, United Microelectronics and LSMC are the most sought after by customers, with the biggest price increase, and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Ltd and World Advanced will also be adjusted according to the market conditions.

United Microelectronics stressed that the average selling price (ASP) will have double-digit growth this year. Huang Chongren, chairman of LSMC, also said publicly: "now semiconductor foundry prices are rising every quarter, and there is no sign of coming down. Wafer manufacturers can be said to have the upper hand. If the gross profit margin of IC design customers exceeds mine, I will certainly increase the price."

Global chip shortages that began to emerge at the end of last year have troubled industries ranging from cars to computer games. At present, Taiwan is one of the main suppliers of semiconductors in the world. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Ltd, the world's largest wafer foundry and the main producer of 7nm/5nm, currently accounts for 56% of the global chip foundry business, and its main customers include Apple Inc and Qualcomm Inc.

The recent shocks in Taiwan, from outbreaks, water shortages to power outages, have further disrupted chip production, making the global shortage even worse.

As the demand continues to be strong, the wafer delivery period has been greatly extended.

According to the above media, the supply chain revealed that, taking United Microelectronics Corp as an example, a new product is produced with a 12-inch wafer, the fastest delivery time is 17 weeks, the slowest may be two or even three quarters, the 8-inch area is as fast as 14 weeks, and the slowest is as long as two seasons. Compared with the past two months, it can be delivered to customers for verification, and the current delivery time is one and a half months longer than in previous years.