Samsung hikes chipmaking prices by up to 15% on demand spike

Samsung Electronics has increased prices for some advanced chipmaking services by up to 15%, responding to surging demand for AI chips that is straining capacity and limiting its own production, according to two sources familiar with the matter. The price hikes primarily affect new orders, with Chinese customers bearing the brunt of the increase due to US export restrictions that constrain Samsung's capacity for local production.

Samsung's foundry unit, previously a loss leader, has now turned a profit, driven by soaring memory chip prices used in AI systems and a broader shift in customer demand toward advanced processes and AI applications. Despite producing 7% of global foundry revenue in the first quarter of 2026, Samsung's share is expected to grow as it aims to capture more than half of foundry revenue this year, fueled by AI and high-performance-computing applications.

With TSMC facing capacity constraints and price hikes, Samsung's leverage to raise prices has increased, potentially making its foundry business profitable as early as next year, according to analyst Lee Min-hee.