China chipmaker SMIC raises wafer prices by about 10% as memory demand tightens capacity

China's chipmaker SMIC has increased wafer prices by around 10%, particularly for memory-related products, as demand tightens capacity. This adjustment, expected to take effect soon, reflects SMIC's near-full utilization and sustained demand from domestic customers. The move aligns SMIC with other manufacturers signaling an end to the semiconductor pricing trough post-pandemic. The increase is driven by memory products, with memory pricing firming up this year due to reduced output and increased demand from various sectors. The price hike also reflects geopolitical factors shaping China's semiconductor industry and may impact Chinese chip designers and memory producers relying on SMIC's capacity.