Josephine Lien, Taipei; Jessie Shen

 

Spot prices for effectively tested (eTT) chips have seen a slight rebound suggesting speculative inventory stockpiling by traders and channel distributors, according to industry sources. Meanwhile, some Taiwan-based eTT DRAM suppliers are reportedly insisting on minimum pricing of US$0.80.

Actual demand is not yet underway, the sources claimed. However, there is no room for further price reductions, which has therefore encouraged speculative demand and pre-stocking, the sources indicated.

In addition, major Taiwan-based eTT chipmakers are insisting on maintaining their unit prices at no less than US$0.80, the sources observed. But distributors still intend to bargain in order to build up stocks at lower costs, the sources added.

Average prices for effectively tested (eTT) 2Gb DDR3 chips soared by 2.69% in one day to close at US$0.80 on August 24, while those for eTT 1Gb parts rose 1.94% to NT$0.53, according to DRAMeXchange.

At the contract market, prices are likely to continue their slide in August, the sources believe. The downward pressure will not ease unless spot prices rebound to near contract price levels, the sources said.