As per Taiwan's Commercial Times, negotiations regarding foundry quotes for mature semiconductor processes have reached a pivotal juncture. When UMC and Vanguard International Semiconductor Corporation were in discussions with customers about foundry price agreements for 2026, they encountered both internal and external pressures. UMC has made an official request to its upstream supply chain, asking for a minimum 15% price reduction starting from 2026. This move is aimed at mitigating the risks associated with escalating costs and more lenient quote terms. IC design customers generally maintain a cautious stance on the market outlook for mature processes in 2026. They prefer to keep pricing flexibility and steer clear of long-term commitments. Consequently, foundries find themselves in a disadvantaged position during price negotiations, which has resulted in reduced order visibility.
