Core Viewpoint - Samsung Electronics is planning to increase prices for certain semiconductor foundry processes, specifically targeting 4nm and 8nm technologies, with an expected increase of approximately 10% [1][2]. Group 1: Price Increase Details - The price increase is primarily focused on the 4nm and 8nm processes, which have reached maturity and stable yield stages [1]. - The expected price increase of around 10% may vary depending on the customer and specific process [1]. - The demand for these processes is high, leading to a situation where their production capacity is nearly at its limit [1]. Group 2: Competitive Landscape - TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company) has been raising its process prices due to surging demand from artificial intelligence and ongoing order growth, with some processes seeing price increases of up to 20% [2]. - Even with a 10% price increase, Samsung's foundry services remain competitively priced compared to TSMC, making them an attractive option for price-sensitive customers [2]. - The price adjustment is expected to help Samsung ensure its capacity is invested in its own processes while enhancing its long-term profitability [2].

Core Insights - TSMC continues to dominate the global foundry market with a market share of 71%, increasing by 3 percentage points from the previous quarter and 6 percentage points year-over-year [2][4] - The overall pure foundry market sales grew by 33% year-over-year, driven by the expansion of the AI industry and supportive policies from the Chinese government [4] - Samsung Electronics holds the second position with an 8% market share, but has seen a decline of 1 percentage point from the previous quarter and 2 percentage points year-over-year [4][6] Group 1: Market Performance - TSMC's market share in the pure foundry market reached 71% in Q2 2023, up from 68% in Q1 2023 and 65% in Q2 2022 [2][4] - The growth in the foundry market is largely attributed to the demand for AI-related semiconductors and the impact of China's subsidy policies [4] - Samsung's market share decreased to 8%, maintaining its second position due to the recovery in smartphone and consumer device markets [4][6] Group 2: Competitor Analysis - SMIC ranks third with a 5% market share, experiencing a decline of 1 percentage point from the previous quarter, but continues to benefit from government subsidies [6] - UMC and GlobalFoundries follow SMIC with market shares of 5% and 4% respectively [6] - Counterpoint Research predicts that the utilization rates of advanced processes and overall wafer shipments will continue to rise in the second half of 2025 [6]