Memory market demand is expected to pick up in the second half of 2019, according to Miin Wu, chairman for flash memory and mask ROM chipmaker Macronix International.

Flash memory prices including NOR and NAND flash prices remain under downward pressure, said Wu, adding that prices particularly those for entry-level devices fell rapidly amid sluggish end-market demand coupled with macro uncertainties in the first quarter.

Wu believes that end-market demand particularly demand for consumer electronics devices will gradually pick up in the second half of 2019, when the macro conditions become favorable to the industry.

Meanwhile, Macronix will continue advancing R&D, Wu noted. The company expects its capex this year to reach nearly NT$15 billion, which will be used mainly to upgrade its 12-inch wafer fabrication lines.

Macronix plans to transition to a newer 19nm process for the manufacture of NAND flash chips, and to kick off production for eMMC products. The company is also looking to advance its NOR flash manufacturing technology to a 55nm node, and is gearing up for robust demand for automotive NOR flash chips.

Wu disclosed that Macronix' purchase price for silicon wafers this year remains fixed due to its long-term deals with suppliers.

By: DocMemory
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