Recently, United Microelectronics Corporation (UMC) and Vanguard International Semiconductor Corporation (VIS) and many other foundries have claimed that 200mm wafer production capacity is fully loaded. According to industry insider, due to capacity shortages, 200mm wafer foundry prices are expected to rise by 10-20%, and capacity shortages will continue until 2021.

200mm wafers are the main size currently used in IC manufacturing. According to reports, from the perspective of operating income, Huahong and VSI’s 200mm wafers currently account for 99% and 100% of its revenue. In addition, 200mm accounts for 75% of SMIC’s revenue, 46% of UMC, and 30% of TSMC.

In addition, the industry insider pointed out that the 200mm capacity utilization rate of TSMC, UMC, and VSI has been close to 100%. The strong demand is due to the rising demand for chips in the Internet of Things, 5G and automotive electronics, and these strong demands are expected to continue into the first half of 2021.

Industry insider also revealed that there is a huge demand for 200mm wafer equipment, but equipment manufacturers are unable to meet the demand, prompting chip manufacturers to increase equipment procurement, especially for second-hand equipment.