Prices of ABF substrates, key to heat control in AI chip packages, are expected to rise further in the 2nd half amid rising material costs, higher spot prices, and tighter capacity, media report, citing unnamed supply chain sources. Taiwan’s 3 top makers all reported record high April revenue, while spot prices have surged over 30%, contract quotes up around 5%-10%. Japan’s Ajinomoto, the key supplier of ABF (Ajinomoto Build-up Film), is said to be mulling a 30% price hike due to higher materials costs, which would likely cause ABF substrate makers to hike prices another 3%-6% as well.