Siu Han, Taipei; Jackie Chang

 

The price of 2-inch sapphire substrates has been stabilizing in November and December at around US$8/unit, according to industry sources. The price is expected to rebound soon.

According to Taiwan-based sapphire substrate maker Tera Xtal, the price of sapphire substrates in December has been stabilizing. Tera Xtal merged with Alpha Xtal on December 10, 2011. Tera Xtal reported November revenues of NT$117 million (US$3.9 million), a 2.6% increase on month, but a 45% decrease on year. Accumulated revenues from January-November reached NT$2.229 billion, a 50% on-year increase.

Crystal Applied reported November revenues of NT$63.34 million, a 74.4% increase on month. According to Crystal Applied, November revenues increased due to increased shipments. However, the overall market has been experiencing low demand, Crystal Applied believes the conditions will continue throughout first-quarter 2012. Crystal Applied initiated non-paid leave for staff recently, but said if capacity utilization rate increases, the mechanism will be canceled.

Crystalwise's November revenues showed a slight 3.08% decrease compared to October. Crystalwise reported November revenues of NT$96.92 million.