Advanced Semi: Chip-testing, -packaging companies to cancel discounts, report says - DJ (4.48 )
DJ reports chip-testing and -packaging companies including Advanced Semiconductor Engineering and Siliconware Precision Industries (SPIL) will cancel a 3%-5% discount on testing services starting in April due to capacity shortages, the Commercial Times reported Wednesday without citing sources. The average utilization rate of Taiwan's chip-testing and -packaging services providers has risen to 90%-95% in March from around 80%-90% in the fourth quarter of 2009, as personal computer makers including Acer Inc. and Apple Inc. have placed orders to meet back-to-school demand earlier than usual because of concerns about a chip shortage, which has consequently increased demand for backend services, the report said.