DigiTimes综述称AI需求拉动被动元件交期延长、酝酿再涨价，但核心数据多为已披露营收与旧有景气信息

Rising capital expenditures by global cloud service providers (CSPs) are accelerating orders for AI computing infrastructure, boosting both the specifications and volumes of passive components and driving strong third-quarter 2026 results for Taiwan suppliers including Yageo, Walsin Technology, Holystone Enterprise, Lelon Electronics, Tai-Tech, Apaq, Ta-I Technology, Viking, and Thinking. The capacity crunch is extending lead times for capacitors and resistors, while suppliers are preparing for another round of price increases as demand visibility stretches beyond 2027.

Taiwan suppliers expect AI data center demand to remain the main growth driver, supporting sequential operating growth throughout 2026. At the same time, capacity shortages are prompting automotive electronics orders to shift to Taiwan suppliers and fueling a trend toward long-term agreements (LTAs) in the passive-component industry. Industry sources said suppliers could raise prices further depending on changes in supply and demand. They noted that order visibility now extends beyond 2027.
AI infrastructure drives structural growth
Industry analysts said falling prices for silver and other precious metals have eased pressure from surging raw-material costs. Together with the gradual implementation of earlier price increases, the factors are helping the passive-component industry break away from the business cycle and sustain structural growth amid the AI boom.
For AI server applications, Taiwan suppliers said rising computing power requirements per GPU, combined with a shift in power architectures from low voltage to high voltage and high current, are driving the fastest growth in demand for capacitors and resistors. Inductors and other magnetic components, as well as sensors, rank next in demand. Supply and demand for high-end products are becoming increasingly tight, further extending average lead times for passive components.
In a single AI server rack, the compute tray uses at least 13,000 capacitors, up to 10,000 resistors, and only 150 inductors and other magnetic components. A network tray can use up to 10,000 capacitors, at least 3,000 resistors, and 60 inductors and other magnetic components, along with a small number of sensors.
Lead times continue to stretch
According to supply-chain sources, lead times for multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) have generally reached 24-30 weeks, with some part numbers extending to 52 weeks. Distributors expect no inventory destocking issue over the next one to two years. Tantalum capacitor lead times have also exceeded 50 weeks, while aluminum electrolytic capacitors range from 18-36 weeks. Lead times for film and thick-film resistors have reached 24-26 weeks, highlighting the continued spread and intensification of capacity displacement.
Yageo and Walsin post strong results
Yageo, one of Taiwan's two leading indicators for the industry, said its September 2026 revenue rose from August on continued strong demand for AI-related applications. Customer orders also recovered after the end of summer holidays in Europe and the US. Shipments of both standard and specialty products grew steadily, while all end-market applications maintained moderate growth.
Yageo reported September 2026 revenue of NT$17.068 billion (US$532 million), up 4.5% month-over-month and 46.1% year-over-year. The company set a record high for the seventh consecutive month. In US dollar terms, monthly revenue rose 5.4% month-over-month and 40.4% year-over-year.
For the third quarter of 2026, Yageo posted consolidated revenue of NT$49.531 billion, up 11.4% quarter-over-quarter and 49.7% year-over-year, setting a new record. In US dollar terms, quarterly revenue increased 10.2% quarter-over-quarter and 40.9% year-over-year. Yageo's consolidated revenue for January through September 2026 totaled NT$132.154 billion, up 36.3% year-over-year. In US dollar terms, revenue increased 34.1% year-over-year.
Walsin Technology said its September 2026 revenue benefited from stronger shipments ahead of China's October 1 holiday, particularly for AI, data center, and automotive electronics applications. Product-mix improvements and ongoing pricing optimization also supported growth.
Walsin Technology reported September revenue of NT$4.89 billion, up 7% month-over-month and 53.9% year-over-year, marking the highest level since October 2018. Its consolidated revenue for the third quarter of 2026 reached NT$13.901 billion, up 22.9% quarter-over-quarter and 47.7% year-over-year, the company's second-highest quarterly level on record. With a focus on high-value-added and specialty products, consolidated revenue for January through September 2026 totaled NT$34.83 billion, up 25.8% year-over-year.