◎记者 李兴彩 郭晨凯 制图 全面涨价阶段即将到来 事实上，早在2025年第三季度，MLCC行业即进入温和复苏阶段。在村田之前，多家大厂对多种被动元 器件，早已开启了多轮涨价。 AI发展提速对半导体的拉动力正在从AI芯片延伸到更广阔的领域，近日被动元器件迎来更加确定的全 面涨价信号——日本被动元器件大厂村田已就MLCC（片式多层陶瓷电容）涨价事项启动了内部讨论。 此前，受原材料涨价、AI及汽车需求拉动等因素影响，2025年下半年至2026年2月，包括MLCC、电 阻、电感、钽电容、磁珠等产品在内的多种被动元器件，已现多轮次涨价，价格涨幅普遍在5%至 30%。 "事实上，高涨的需求叠加原材料涨价，被动元器件涨价行情才刚刚开启。"有分销商人士表示，村田对 MLCC开启涨价，不仅显示出AI动力强劲、高端被动元器件景气度的确定性，还将挤压MLCC低端产 能，从而带动被动元器件进入全面涨价阶段。 MLCC巨头考虑涨价 据报道，为应对AI服务器带来的巨大需求，村田已就MLCC涨价事项启动内部讨论。村田希望在2025财 年第四季度（今年一季度）完成"AI带来的真实需求"的评估，并在今年3月底前作出最终决定。 MLCC广泛应 ...

Core Viewpoint - The recent price hikes in passive components, led by major players like Yageo and Walsin, indicate a significant shift in the market driven by supply-demand imbalances and rising raw material costs, particularly in high-end sectors like AI and electric vehicles [1][4][19]. Group 1: Price Adjustments - Yageo announced a price increase of 15%-20% for certain resistor products starting February 1, marking its third price adjustment in a short period [1]. - Walsin and Panasonic also announced price hikes of around 20% and 15%-30% respectively for various passive components, reflecting a broader trend among major manufacturers [1][2]. - Smaller manufacturers in China, such as Fenghua Advanced Technology and Shunluo Electronics, have also followed suit with price adjustments ranging from 5%-30% across multiple product categories [2][3]. Group 2: Supply Chain Dynamics - The passive component market is experiencing supply tightness, with lead times extending and some distributors pausing quotes due to uncertainty in price adjustments [3][4]. - Rising costs of raw materials, particularly precious metals like silver and palladium, have significantly increased production costs for passive components, with estimates suggesting a 20%-30% rise in production costs [5][6]. - Capacity constraints are exacerbated by major manufacturers shifting focus to high-end products, leading to a structural shortage in the mid-range market [7][8]. Group 3: Demand Drivers - The demand for passive components is being driven by the rapid growth of AI and electric vehicles, with AI servers requiring significantly more MLCCs than traditional servers [10][11]. - The automotive sector is also a major growth area, with electric vehicles using up to three times more passive components compared to traditional vehicles, creating a favorable environment for price increases [11][12]. - The overall market for passive components in China is projected to grow from 1237.65 billion yuan in 2023 to 2583.59 billion yuan by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate of 11.09% [13]. Group 4: Market Structure Changes - The current price hikes reflect a structural change in the passive components market, with high-end products experiencing significant demand while traditional consumer electronics face challenges [15][19]. - Domestic manufacturers in China are beginning to capture more market share, particularly in high-end segments, as they improve their technology and production capabilities [19][20]. - The geopolitical landscape and supply chain diversification are providing opportunities for Chinese manufacturers to enter high-end markets, as global players face capacity and delivery challenges [19][24]. Group 5: Future Outlook - The passive components market is expected to continue evolving, with AI and automotive electronics driving demand for high-value products [25][26]. - Companies need to focus on high-capacity, miniaturized, and reliable products to meet the changing market demands and maintain competitiveness [25][26]. - Collaboration across the supply chain will be crucial for manufacturers to overcome technical challenges and align with market needs [25][26].

Core Viewpoint - The passive components industry is experiencing a price increase, particularly in multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCC), with some distributors in mainland China raising spot prices by up to 20% [2][3]. Group 1: Price Trends - The price increase trend includes tantalum capacitors, chip resistors, magnetic beads, and MLCC, with industry expectations for improved performance from related manufacturers [3]. - Tantalum capacitors have seen price hikes of 20% to 30% due to high demand from AI server applications, leading to a supply-demand imbalance [3]. - MLCC is expected to follow suit in price increases, supported by a significant rise in demand as system designs adapt to include more MLCCs [4]. Group 2: Market Dynamics - The dependency on tantalum capacitors in AI devices has led to a design shift towards using a combination of tantalum capacitors and MLCCs to mitigate supply risks and control costs [4]. - The demand for MLCC is no longer just a reactive response to price increases but is now driven by structural demand expansion, particularly in AI applications [4]. - For the company Yageo, tantalum capacitors account for approximately 18% to 22% of revenue, while MLCC contributes about 18% to 20% [4].

Group 1: Memory Market Insights - The general manager of Winbond, Chen Peiming, announced that prices are expected to continue rising, with contract prices for this and next season maintaining similar increases as Q4 of last year [2] - Despite rising prices, demand remains strong, with customers eager to secure production capacity, leading to full bookings for both existing and new capacities through 2027 [2] - The memory market is described as "very good," with Winbond planning to increase prices quarterly while customers are willing to accept these increases [2] Group 2: DRAM and Flash Memory Production - Winbond is expanding production capacity at its Kaohsiung facility, with DRAM installations expected to begin in mid-June, while Flash memory installations will start even earlier [2] - There is a significant supply shortage in DDR4, prompting some customers to downgrade to DDR3, but Winbond aims to maximize output, particularly focusing on the growth potential of LPDDR4 [2] Group 3: Passive Components Price Trends - Passive components, including MLCCs, are experiencing price increases, with recent adjustments in the Chinese market showing price hikes of up to 20% [3] - Major Taiwanese manufacturers like Yageo and Walsin are expected to follow suit with price increases in their contract prices due to the overall upward trend in passive component pricing [3][4] Group 4: Market Dynamics for Passive Components - The demand for tantalum capacitors has surged due to their adoption in high-end AI servers, leading to significant price increases of 20-30% for large-sized polymer tantalum capacitors [4][5] - The increasing use of MLCCs is attributed to their small size and reliability, making them essential in high-density AI server applications [4] Group 5: Financial Outlook for Key Players - Yageo's revenue from tantalum capacitors is approximately 18-22%, with MLCCs contributing 18-20% to its revenue, indicating a diversified product line benefiting from current market trends [5] - Japanese companies Murata and TDK have also reported positive financial forecasts, with Murata's order-to-shipment ratio exceeding 1 for five consecutive quarters, indicating strong demand [5][6]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent price increases in passive components, particularly focusing on Taiwanese resistor manufacturers joining the trend, driven by rising raw material costs and increased demand from AI applications [3][4][13][15]. Group 1: Price Increases from Taiwanese Manufacturers - Taiwanese passive component manufacturers, including Yageo, Thick Sound, and Walsin, have announced price hikes for various resistor products, with increases ranging from 15% to 25% [5][6][7]. - Yageo's price adjustments will take effect from February 1, covering specific resistor products like RC0402, RC0603, and others [5]. - Thick Sound and Walsin have also issued price increase notifications, indicating a collective movement among Taiwanese manufacturers to raise prices due to rising material costs [6][7]. Group 2: Market Reactions and Trends - Following the announcements, the passive component market experienced a temporary halt in quotations and price increases, but most channels have since returned to normal pricing [9][10]. - The overall price of resistors has increased by approximately 10-20% since the New Year, particularly for sizes 0201 to 1206, with fluctuations stabilizing after initial increases [10][11]. - Distributors have noted that the initial price hikes did not significantly impact the market, as many customers had already begun stockpiling components prior to the announcements [11]. Group 3: Underlying Causes of Price Increases - The primary reasons for the price hikes include rising raw material costs, particularly for metals like silver, palladium, and others, which have seen significant price increases [13][14]. - Additionally, the surge in demand driven by AI applications has contributed to the rising prices of passive components, with projections indicating a substantial increase in demand for components like MLCCs in AI servers [15][16].

Summary of Conference Call on Passive Component Price Trends Industry Overview - The passive components market is experiencing price increases across nearly all categories, including capacitors, resistors, diodes, inductors, and ferrite beads, driven primarily by raw material inflation [1][2][3] - The current price increase is characterized by a more rational market behavior compared to the previous cycle from 2017 to 2022, where speculative hoarding was prevalent [1][6] Key Points and Arguments - **Price Transmission**: Price increases are transmitted in layers; small and medium-sized end customers face price hikes of 30%-40%, while large customers with long-term contracts experience increases of less than 10% [4][2] - **MLCC Market Dynamics**: Although MLCC (Multi-layer Ceramic Capacitors) prices have not officially increased, high-capacity products have seen price rises. Manufacturers are cautious to avoid past mistakes of rapid price hikes [7][8] - **Market Share Concentration**: The MLCC market is dominated by four major players: Murata, Samsung, Yageo, and Sanhua, which together hold 80% of the market share. Strategies include reducing production and increasing agent thresholds [9] - **Domestic Brand Growth**: Domestic brands like Chaozhou Sanhua are gaining market share as customers shift from foreign brands to more cost-effective local options [10][12] - **Future Price Trends**: The trajectory of component prices will largely depend on raw material costs, with increases in silver and copper prices likely to push costs higher [13] Additional Important Insights - **Inventory Management**: Unlike the panic buying seen in previous years, current stakeholders are managing inventory more rationally, purchasing based on actual orders rather than speculation [5] - **Historical Context**: The last significant price surge occurred from July 2017 to the end of 2022, driven largely by human factors and market manipulation, whereas the current situation is primarily influenced by raw material costs [6][14] - **Cautious Market Sentiment**: Despite expectations of price increases, companies are hesitant to expand production capacity significantly, reflecting a cautious approach to market dynamics [11] - **Emerging Demand Areas**: While AI servers and storage are currently stable, the AI glasses sector may emerge as a new growth point in the future [18][16] Conclusion The passive components market is currently undergoing a price increase driven by raw material inflation, with a more rational market response compared to previous cycles. The focus on domestic brands and cautious inventory management reflects a significant shift in market dynamics. Future price trends will depend heavily on raw material costs and the evolving demand landscape, particularly in emerging technologies.

Core Viewpoint - The passive component market is experiencing a price increase and order suspension due to rising demand and material costs, particularly in resistors and capacitors, driven by AI and other technological advancements [4][20]. Group 1: Market Situation - Before the New Year, many passive component manufacturers issued price increase notices, leading to a suspension of quotes and orders in the market [4][6]. - Distributors reported that the main reason for suspending quotes was the uncertainty of price increases from manufacturers, which could render pre-holiday quotes ineffective [6][9]. - After the New Year, most channels resumed normal quoting, but some specific models remained in short supply, causing continued order suspensions [6][9]. Group 2: Price Changes - Resistors have seen significant price increases, with some models rising by 10-30%, while capacitors experienced more moderate increases, particularly in high-demand types like polymer tantalum capacitors [7][9]. - The price of magnetic beads and inductors has also risen significantly, reflecting broader trends in the passive component market [8][9]. Group 3: Causes of Price Increases - The current price surge is attributed to two main factors: rising raw material costs, particularly for precious metals like silver, and increased demand driven by AI technologies [15][16]. - Silver prices surged by 143% in 2025, significantly impacting the cost structure of passive components, especially inductors [16][17]. - The rapid growth in AI demand is pushing the need for high-end components, further driving prices up [18][19]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The demand for passive components is expected to remain stable in 2025, with significant increases in AI-related applications, particularly for MLCCs [9][20]. - The market is likely to see a structural differentiation where high-end products maintain stable growth while standard consumer-grade components may struggle [19][20].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent price increases announced by Yageo Corporation (国巨) for certain passive components, particularly resistors, due to significant cost increases in chip product lines, especially precious metals like silver, ruthenium, and palladium [3]. Group 1: Price Adjustments - Yageo has decided to raise prices for some resistor products by approximately 15-20%, effective February 1 [3]. - Major passive component distributors in mainland China have also received notifications regarding price increases, with a 15% hike on products such as 0402 to 1206 thick film resistors starting January 26 [3]. - The company has previously adjusted prices for specific tantalum capacitors and magnetic beads, indicating a broader trend of price increases across its product lines [3]. Group 2: Market Context - The price adjustments are attributed to the significant rise in costs associated with chip production, particularly due to the soaring prices of precious metals [3]. - Yageo emphasizes its commitment to long-term partnerships with customers, ensuring reliable supply, excellent product quality, and competitive comprehensive solutions despite the price hikes [3].

Core Viewpoint - The price adjustment of tantalum capacitors by Yageo has led to a ripple effect in the market, with its subsidiary PULSE announcing price increases for certain ferrite bead products starting January 1, 2023, due to high raw material costs and increased demand for high-frequency applications [1][2]. Group 1: Price Adjustments and Market Dynamics - Yageo's PULSE brand is adjusting prices for specific ferrite bead products, effective January 1, 2023, due to sustained high costs of key raw materials, particularly silver [1]. - The price of silver has surged significantly, with NIMEX silver futures recently reaching $73.02 per ounce, marking a 143% increase for the year 2025, which has put substantial pressure on the cost structure of passive component manufacturers [1]. - The adjustment in prices is seen as a necessary measure for manufacturers to maintain product quality and supply stability while continuing to invest in capacity and technology [1]. Group 2: Industry Position and Future Outlook - Yageo's revenue from magnetic components accounts for approximately 27% to 28% of its total revenue, with a strong market position in inductors and automotive-grade magnetic components, ranking third globally [2]. - Competitor Walsin Technology, another significant supplier of ferrite beads, is also expected to consider price adjustments due to rising demand in automotive electronics, AI servers, and high-speed computing [2]. - The passive component industry is entering a new phase of price adjustments, supported by high raw material costs and steady demand from end applications, which is expected to positively impact the revenue and profitability of major suppliers like Yageo and Walsin [2].

Core Viewpoint - Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. is leveraging its leadership in passive components, particularly MLCCs, to explore new markets and upgrade its products in response to the growing demand driven by artificial intelligence and cloud computing [2][4]. Group 1: Market Opportunities - The global optical module market is expected to grow at an annual rate of 30-35% from 2025 to 2026, driven by AI cluster construction [4]. - Murata's products, especially MLCCs, are anticipated to see significant usage increases in AI PCs, with a focus on maintaining and enhancing market share [4][5]. - The company is closely monitoring market demands and technological trends, particularly the impact of TLVR technology on its products [4][5]. Group 2: Product Innovations - Murata showcased a range of products at the optical communication exhibition, including high-density multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) with superior electrical characteristics and compact designs [8][11]. - The company introduced ultra-wideband silicon capacitor products capable of supporting bandwidths up to 220GHz, utilizing advanced 3D structures to enhance capacitance within a small footprint [11][12]. - Murata's silicon capacitors are designed for high reliability and performance, with a focus on customization to meet diverse customer needs [12]. Group 3: Power Solutions - The company has developed innovative power chip solutions to address the growing energy efficiency demands of data centers, featuring a two-stage architecture to reduce power loss and enhance system reliability [13]. - Murata's thermal resistors are compact and responsive, suitable for temperature detection and protection in optical modules and data centers, with applications in automotive electronics and medical devices [13]. Group 4: Strategic Vision - Murata emphasizes its commitment to innovation and strategic collaboration within the industry to drive optical communication technology advancements and industry upgrades [14].