SigmaIntel sees 91% mature-node utilization in Q4, wafer prices up 4-8% in Q1

Market research firm SigmaIntel forecasts global mature-node foundry fab utilization at 91% in the fourth quarter and expects mature-node wafer prices to rise across the board in the first quarter of next year, according to ZDNet Korea.

Q4 prices for 28nm and 40nm wafers were unchanged from the previous quarter at $2,500 and $1,900 respectively. SigmaIntel's Q1 forecasts put 28nm at $2,650, up 6%, and 40nm at $2,000, up 5%.

Prices for 90nm wafers rose 4% quarter-on-quarter to $1,250 in Q4. SigmaIntel forecasts $1,350 in the first quarter, an 8% increase.

UMC utilization and capacity outlook

SigmaIntel expects UMC's mature-node utilization, including 22nm and 28nm, to reach 93% in Q4. The foundry kept the prices it had planned to apply in 2026, taking new customers into account.

The firm also projects global 8-inch foundry capacity to fall 6% year-on-year in 2026 and 2% in 2027.

Separately, Samsung Electronics asked UMC for a "super hot run" of the Galaxy Z Fold8 DDI after demand exceeded expectations, but the request was not met. Samsung Electronics unveiled the Galaxy Z Fold8 in late July, and UMC makes its DDI on a 22nm process.