Second Half Utilization Rate for 8-inch Production Capacity Expected to Drop to 50-60%; Chilly Demand Prospects Until 1Q24, Says TrendForce

TrendForce research indicates that in 1H23, the utilization rate of 8-inch production capacity primarily benefited from sporadic inventory restocking orders for Driver ICs in the second quarter. Additionally, wafer foundries initiated pricing strategies to encourage clients into early orders, offering solid backup. However, in 2H23, persistent macroeconomic and inventory challenges led to the evaporation of an anticipated demand surge.