Demand for high-capacitance multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) is rising as AI workloads shift from model training toward inference and AI agents, according to TrendForce. The growth in AI computing is driving CPU demand, increasing requirements for associated power modules and DDR5 memory. These components use high-capacitance MLCCs in CPU motherboards and memory modules, adding pressure to an already constrained supply. NVIDIA’s Vera Rubin platform shipments are expected to increase monthly from 4Q26, while AMD has begun procuring specialized high-capacitance MLCCs for its MI450 platform. TrendForce expects shortages of high-end MLCCs to become most acute in the first and second quarters of 2027. Consumer electronics demand, meanwhile, remains weak. Higher memory and component costs are pushing up product prices, prompting manufacturers to adjust shipment plans. Major notebook ODMs expect orders to decline by an average of 10–15% year over year in 4Q26. Smartphone brands are also reducing shipments of entry-level and midrange models. Spot prices for low- and mid-capacitance consumer-grade MLCCs fell approximately 5% in early October before stabilizing. Price increases for high-end specifications have also begun to moderate. However, supply constraints remain significant for AI-grade MLCCs and are extending to communications-grade components used in optical communication modules. Material and logistics costs are adding to manufacturers’ pressure. Japan’s import price index rose 24.5% year over year in September, with nickel, copper and silver among the materials facing higher costs. All three metals are used in MLCC electrodes. Murata has acknowledged that its existing production capacity is insufficient to meet market demand and is accelerating expansion plans. However, the additional capacity is not expected to become operational before 2028, limiting the prospect of near-term supply improvements. TrendForce expects the high-end MLCC shortage to continue through the first half of 2027, giving suppliers greater leverage in pricing negotiations. Discussions on first-quarter 2027 pricing are scheduled to begin in November 2026. Japanese manufacturers are increasingly likely to follow Samsung Electro-Mechanics in raising prices, while Taiwanese and Chinese suppliers are expected to benefit from orders displaced by tighter consumer-grade MLCC supply. The post AI Demand Tightens High-capacitance MLCC Supply Through 1H27 appeared first on EE Times Asia .