On October 29, reports surfaced indicating that, fueled by robust demand for mature semiconductor manufacturing processes, foundry giant United Microelectronics Corporation (UMC) has achieved a capacity utilization rate surpassing 90% and is gearing up to implement further price increases. On the 28th, UMC's CEO, Wang Shi, disclosed at a financial briefing that the company's average selling price (ASP) is projected to climb by roughly 10% annually through to 2027. UMC remains committed to its AI-centric business strategy, anticipating that revenue derived from AI-related operations will constitute 25% of its total revenue within the next three years. Additionally, the company views silicon photonics and advanced packaging technologies as emerging growth catalysts.

Wang Shi highlighted that there exists significant potential for price enhancements in both UMC's 8-inch and 12-inch wafer fabrication segments. He forecasted that 2027 will represent a pivotal juncture in ASP trends, with prices poised for a definitive upward trajectory starting from the first quarter of the following year. Furthermore, he revealed that annual price negotiations are nearing completion, and UMC's management team exudes confidence regarding the company's future prospects.