Silicon Carbide (SiC) power semiconductors are rapidly displacing silicon-based IGBTs and MOSFETs in electric vehicles, solar inverters, and rail transit. This guide covers China’s SiC wafer supply chain for international buyers.
1. SiC Wafer Types and Specifications
SiC wafers are classified by size and crystal polytype:
- 4-inch (100mm): Entry level, stable yield, ~USD 150–250/wafer, suitable for applications below 1200V
- 6-inch (150mm): Market mainstream, supplied by Cree/Wolfspeed, ROHM, TankeCryst, SICC, and others; priced at ~USD 400–700/wafer in 2026
- 8-inch (200mm): Frontier, led by SK Siltron CSS and San’an Optoelectronics in R&D; prices above USD 800
For polytypes, 4H-SiC dominates power semiconductors; 6H-SiC is primarily for LED/rf applications.
2. Leading Chinese SiC Wafer Suppliers (2026)
| Supplier | Core Products | Wafer Size | Primary Markets |
|---|---|---|---|
| SICC (TankeCryst) | 4H-SiC substrates/epitaxial | 6-inch dominant | Global power semiconductors |
| SICC Advanced (Sward) | SiC substrates | 6-inch | EV, industrial |
| San’an Optoelectronics | Full SiC chain | 6-inch / 8-inch R&D | EV, PV |
| Shuoke Crystal | SiC mono-crystal/wafer | 4″ / 6″ | Domestic IDMs |
| Tongguang Optoelectronics | SiC substrates | 6-inch | Epi/器件 plants |
| Nansha Crystal | SiC wafers | 6-inch | Domestic & export |
3. SiC Wafer Price Trends (2026)
Driven by 800V EV platform adoption, SiC wafer demand rose ~35% YoY in 2026. Average 6-inch N-type 4H-SiC substrate prices:
- Q1 2026: ~USD 500–650/wafer
- Q2 2026: ~USD 580–720/wafer (+8%)
- Q3 2026 (forecast): ~USD 620–780/wafer
4. Epitaxial Wafers: Key Considerations
When sourcing SiC wafers, clarify whether epitaxial layers are needed — these are required for SiC MOSFET/SBD fabrication:
- Bare Wafer: ~350μm thickness, suitable for R&D and surface processing studies
- EPI Wafer: 5–20μm epitaxial layer on SiC substrate, priced at 2–3× bare wafer cost
- Key EPI suppliers: Dongguan Tianyu, Xiamen Xidian (both producing 6-inch SiC EPI at volume)
5. Procurement Checklist
- Spec confirmation: Wafer diameter, off-axis angle (typically 4°), resistivity (N-type/N+), EPI specs
- Sample validation: SiC wafer batch variation is significant — order 5–25 wafers for compatibility testing first
- Packaging: Fragile items require cassette + anti-static packaging; air freight must comply with IATA regulations
- Export controls: SiC wafers may be dual-use items; confirm ECCN classification with supplier
- Payment terms: 30% deposit + 70% against BL for first orders; cap initial orders at 50 wafers for new buyers
6. Market Outlook
In 2026, the SiC wafer supply chain is transitioning from capacity expansion to quality differentiation. Chinese suppliers are accelerating 8-inch SiC development, but EPI一致性 remains the key quality gap vs. Wolfspeed. For 1200V–3300V power module applications, 6-inch SiC wafers now offer the best price-performance balance.
Data current as of July 2026. Prices are market reference ranges; confirm with suppliers for actual quotes.
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