Samsung raises advanced foundry prices by up to 15% as AI demand fills its 4nm lines, report claims — Chinese customers accepting the largest hikes
Samsung raised prices on new orders across its 4nm, 5nm, and 8nm foundry processes in July, with increases reaching 15% for customers in China.
Samsung has increased prices for advanced chip foundry services by up to 15% in July, according to Reuters, citing two sources familiar with the matter. The largest hikes are being accepted by Chinese chip designers, who are restricted by U.S. export controls from accessing advanced chipmaking tools. Samsung's 4nm line at its Pyeongtaek facility has been operating at full capacity since late last year.
The price increases follow Samsung's recent decision to lower its 2nm wafer price to $20,000, an attempt to undercut Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) by roughly a third. Customers in China and the U.S. saw quotes for Samsung's 4nm SF4 process rise by 10% to 15% from June, while customers in Taiwan experienced smaller increases of 5% to 10%.
Samsung's foundry division has been operating at a loss since 2022, but analyst Lee Min-hee believes that if Samsung continues raising prices, the division could become profitable as early as next year.
Written by urgent.news from Tom's Hardware's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
