Core Insights - The global average capacity utilization rate of major foundries is expected to rebound to 90% by Q4 2025, a year-on-year increase of approximately 7 percentage points, driven by growth in AI applications and recovery in automotive and industrial control sectors [1] Group 1: Price Trends by Process Node - For 12-inch (28/40nm), prices are stable with robust demand, primarily from MCU, Wi-Fi, and OLED driver chips, showing resilience during market downturns, but growth is expected to slow during the AI demand surge [2] - In the 12-inch (55/90nm) segment, supply-demand tightness is anticipated, with price increases expected in 2026 as many foundries express intentions to raise prices, although some price hikes may not materialize until Q2-Q3 due to capacity expansion constraints [3] - The 8-inch wafer market is experiencing widespread price increases, with an expected rise of 5%-10% starting Q1 2026, driven by AI and automotive applications, and supply tightness is likely to become the norm [4] Group 2: Capacity and Demand Dynamics - The 8-inch process is facing supply constraints due to equipment limitations, and as demand for AI and automotive applications grows, the transition from 8-inch to 12-inch processes is expected to accelerate [4] - The anticipated reduction in 8-inch foundry capacity starting in 2027 will further tighten supply for 12-inch processes, leading to a gradual increase in prices for these nodes [3]