Chip Resistor Makers Face Broad Raw Material Cost Pressure
Per DigiTimes chip resistor makers are expected to see rising cost
pressure from leading upstream materials suppliers as SMT packaging
materials maker Laser Tek and alumina substrate maker Leatec Fine Ceramics
are said to be either planning price adjustment or running short of
capacity. Whether passive component makers are going to raise their
prices for chip resistors again is drawing concern as combined costs from
the two materials, as well as ruthenium- and metal-based resistor pastes
currently account for over 80% of total costs. Chip resistor cost
breakdown by items is: SMT materials and ruthenium/metal-based resistor
pastes each 15-20%; substrate 40-50%; remainder labor costs.