Woofun AI reports that Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are negotiating with upstream substrate suppliers for second-half price reductions, potentially reversing the earlier 3% to 4% increase implemented due to rising gold and copper costs. With raw material prices stabilizing, buyer leverage has increased, leading most substrate companies to receive clear demands for lower prices, possibly effective next month.

The Korea PCB and Semiconductor Packaging Industry Association warns that this shift creates a "double dilemma" for manufacturers, squeezing margins between high procurement costs and downward price pressure. This burden falls heavily on medium-sized firms excluded from cost-linkage mechanisms, potentially constraining capital expenditure and R&D. The association urges semiconductor manufacturers to postpone cuts and expand linkage mechanisms to ensure supply chain sustainability.