The Sapphire Crystal Growing/Substrate Industry Has Been Experiencing Aggressive Expansion

The sapphire crystal growing/substrate industry has been experiencing aggressive expansion despite the weak LED market. South Korea-based STC is currently the global leader in the LED sapphire market for its massive capacity. China-based firms have also been eager to enter the market. US-based Rubicon and Russia-based Monocrystal were the dominant forces in the sapphire industry accounting for a total of more than 50% of the global ingot capacity until STC surpassed them in 2010 with aggressive support from the South Korea government. In 2011, STC's monthly capacity for sapphire ingots will expand to 1.3 million mm. Market research indicated the top-10 sapphire ingot producers' monthly capacity in the world will reach 5.8 million mm. In particular, Asia-based firms now account for more than 60% of the total capacity. China-based GCL Group recently announced the plan to enter the sapphire crystal growing/substrate market. Industry sources noted the global economy will likely recover in second-quarter 2012, and then sapphire susbtrate prices may rise. Source: www.digitimes.com