Shipments of 4-Inch Substrates Have Been Increasing Steadily

The price of upstream sapphire substrates has been stabilizing and shipments of 4-inch substrates have been increasing steadily. The current price of 2-inch sapphire substrates has been around US$7-8/unit. Industry observers believe the price has hit the bottom, hence price drops have been easing. According to the observers, due to inventory clear-outs, LED chipmakers have been increasing orders. Furthermore, shipments of 4-inch substrates are expected to increase sharply in 2012. Taiwan-based sapphire substrate maker Crystalwise indicated that December shipments have been increasing, which will likely be reflected in December revenues. Crystalwise's December revenues are expected to return to the level of NT$100 million (US$3.3 million), industry observers said. Crystalwise noted that the percentage of 4-inch substrate shipments have been increasing in the fourth quarter to 10% and may reach 20-30% in December alone. According to Tera Xtal, fourth-quarter performance has been steady and substrate shipments in December are likely to be flat. Tera Xtal pointed out that shipments of 4-inch substrate have been increasing, accounting for 10-20% of total shipments. Source: www.digitimes.com