According to a survey conducted by TrendForce, the capacity utilization rates of wafer foundries in the second half of 2025 have defied initial projections of a downturn. This unexpected resilience can be attributed to a confluence of factors, including low inventory levels among integrated circuit (IC) manufacturers, the peak sales season for mobile phones, and robust demand stemming from the artificial intelligence (AI) sector.

Notably, some foundries are poised to outperform their third-quarter performance in the fourth quarter. Moreover, a select few companies are already contemplating price increases for specific process platforms, such as Bipolar-CMOS-DMOS (BCD) and Power technologies. By the end of the year, the 8-inch wafer capacity at certain foundries is expected to approach full utilization.

Driven by the surging demand for Power semiconductors fueled by AI applications, some foundries hold an optimistic view of their customer prospects for 2026. In light of this, they have formulated plans for across-the-board foundry price hikes. While the magnitude of these increases remains subject to negotiation, the overall sentiment within the industry has already shifted towards a willingness to raise prices.