TSMC 3nm Prices Up 15%, Samsung May Gain Orders

According to industry reports, leading global foundry TSMC is expected to significantly raise prices for its advanced process technologies, shifting market attention toward whether Samsung Electronics could benefit by securing additional orders from major technology customers.

Industry sources indicate that TSMC is considering increasing prices for its advanced 3nm process by up to 15% in the second half of 2026. There are also signals that a further 5%–10% price hike could be implemented in 2027 for the same node. The adjustments are widely viewed as a response to surging demand from artificial intelligence (AI) accelerators, flagship smartphone processors, and high-performance computing (HPC) applications.

Despite sustained strong demand from large technology companies, TSMC continues to face tight capacity constraints. At the same time, rapidly rising research and development costs for cutting-edge process nodes are also considered a major driver behind the ongoing price increases.

Since last year, TSMC has steadily raised pricing across its advanced manufacturing nodes. Reports suggest that its 2nm process is priced up to 50% higher than its 3nm technology. In addition, the upcoming 1.6nm process, expected to enter production in the second half of 2026, is projected to reach approximately $45,000 per wafer, representing roughly a 50% increase compared to the previous generation’s top-tier pricing.

As advanced node pricing continues to climb, major technology companies that previously concentrated orders with TSMC are increasingly moving toward a more diversified foundry strategy to mitigate the impact of persistent cost inflation. Supply chain resilience concerns are also driving efforts to reduce reliance on single vendors, particularly as memory and semiconductor supply timing becomes more critical for AI infrastructure planning.

This shift may result in additional large-scale orders being redirected toward Samsung Electronics, the world’s second-largest semiconductor foundry operator. The company already secured chip-related engagements from Tesla, Inc. and Apple Inc. in recent years, reinforcing expectations of broader customer diversification across the foundry landscape.

Samsung Electronics is widely recognized for offering more competitive pricing in advanced process manufacturing. The company has also been strengthening its technological capabilities, including being among the first to introduce a 3nm gate-all-around (GAA) process.

Recent analyst commentary suggests that Samsung’s manufacturing yields have improved notably, with industry estimates placing its 2nm yield at around 60%. This level is generally considered sufficient for mass production readiness, potentially strengthening its position in next-generation process competition.

Industry observers expect Samsung Electronics to secure additional large-volume orders beyond its current major clients in the coming year, supported by both improving process maturity and competitive pricing advantages.

Although Samsung Electronics’ foundry business has continued to post quarterly operating losses in the range of several trillion won, some projections suggest that the segment could reach breakeven as early as late this year or early next year, depending on utilization and yield improvements.

In addition, Samsung Electronics recently participated in a large-scale funding round for AI company Anthropic PBC as a strategic infrastructure partner, further raising speculation that collaboration between the two companies could potentially expand into semiconductor manufacturing and foundry-related areas in the future.