智通财经网·2026-01-16 01:08Core Viewpoint - The recent price increase in various segments of the electronics industry is driven by significant upstream metal cost increases and strong demand from AI applications, despite some pressure on consumer and automotive electronics demand [1][2][6] Group 1: Price Increase Drivers - Since the second half of 2025, multiple segments in electronic components have experienced a price surge primarily due to significant cost pressures from rising metal prices, with some segments also benefiting from strong AI demand [2][3] - Key metals such as gold, silver, and copper have seen futures prices increase by over 50%, 150%, and 50% respectively since 2025, with expectations for continued high prices into 2026 due to loose global liquidity and supply-side constraints [2][3] Group 2: Beneficiary Segments - Segments with high AI exposure, such as storage, CCL, and BT substrates, are expected to benefit the most from the current price increase cycle [3][6] - For storage, TrendForce forecasts a 55% to 60% increase in traditional DRAM contract prices and a 33% to 38% increase in NAND Flash contract prices by Q1 2026, with a potential shortage lasting until the first half of 2027 [3] - CCL manufacturers are expected to successfully pass on price increases to the PCB segment, with anticipated price hikes of 5% to 10% in 2025 and a peak in the first half of 2026 [3] - BT substrates are projected to see a price increase of approximately 30% in the second half of 2025, with further increases of 15% to 20% expected in 2026 [3] Group 3: Supply-Demand Improvements - Segments with improved supply-demand dynamics, such as wafer foundries and panels, are also expected to benefit significantly [4][6] - Wafer foundries are experiencing capacity reductions in overseas mature processes, while domestic leading companies maintain high utilization rates, leading to price increases of about 10% for certain processes by December 2025 [4] - The panel segment is expected to see improved profitability due to the lifting of tariff impacts and increased demand from major events like the Winter Olympics and World Cup [4]