While price drops of sapphire wafers slowed down significantly in the first quarter of 2013, prices for 2-inch sapphire wafers, which stand at US$6.8-7 currently, may rise, according to Taiwan-based sapphire wafer makers.
Prices for 2-inch sapphire wafers may increase to US$8, the makers said, adding currently prices for 4-inch wafers are US$30-35,
Due to booming demand for LED backlight and general lighting, Taiwan-based makers expect orders for sapphire wafers to increase in second-quarter 2013 and revenues grow more than 10% sequentially.
Crystalwise Technology expects sapphire wafer shipments in 2013 to grow on year but its average selling price (ASP) to fall, the company indicated. The company and Taiwan-based fellow maker Tera Xtal Technology aim to hike proportions of shipments for 4-inch sapphire wafers or PSS (patterned sapphire substrates) due to their better profitability.
