Rumor
Murata Manufacturing scales up MLCC production to counter Chinese competition
Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at 03:11 PM
Murata Manufacturing is reportedly implementing a strategy to counter the rapid expansion of Chinese multilayer ceramic capacitor (MLCC) production by competing on scale. The company is moving beyond its traditional focus on high-end components to prevent being overtaken by Chinese competitors, applying lessons learned from other Japanese firms that lost market share in similar sectors.
Context
The global market for multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) is witnessing a strategic shift as Murata Manufacturing, which holds a 40% global market share, aggressively expands production capacity to counter rising competition from Chinese manufacturers like Guangdong Fenghua and Eyang Technology. While Chinese rivals have increased their market share to 10% by targeting low-to-mid-tier commodity segments, Murata is moving beyond a premium-only strategy to defend the high-volume zone. This expansion is designed to prevent the loss of market dominance seen in other Japanese electronics sectors by combining Murata's technological lead with superior cost competitiveness and scale.
Simultaneously, Murata is capitalizing on the AI server boom, where demand for high-end MLCCs has doubled capacity requirements. The company is considering price increases for these specialized components as it navigates a US$15 billion supply plan for U.S. data centers and targets a double-digit CAGR in AI-related demand through 2030. To support this growth and mitigate geopolitical risks, Murata is diversifying its footprint with a new 3 billion yen plant in Vietnam and expanded silicon capacitor production in France, maintaining an annual CAPEX of 250–350 billion yen.
Sources (8)
Capacitors | Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Product & Event News | Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.AI server MLCC orders double capacity; Murata considers price increaseMurata announces production expansion and will increase production of silicon capacitors in France-EEWORLDWhat is Competitive Landscape of Murata Manufacturing Company? – PortersFiveForce.comTaskpane Dict | PDF - ScribdChinas MLCC Makers Reach 10% Market ShareMurata Manufacturing: Business Model Canvas – Pestel-analysis.com
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