Murata's ratio is 1.30. Samsung Electro-Mechanics' is at 1.31. Taiyo Yuden's is at 1.25. These are the highest levels since the start of the pandemic. At the same time, widely used consumer X5R MLCCs in China saw average price increases of between 15% and 25% in June.
This change has already affected specific part numbers. Take, for example, the Samsung Electro-Mechanics CL10A226MP8NUNE. This is a 22µF, 10V, X5R MLCC with a size of 0603. Engineers typically use it in industrial control boards, communication modules, and DC-DC power output filtering. Samsung's official website indicates that this series is still in production. However, monitoring delivery times in the public market shows that delivery times for similar high-capacitance, small-size X5R MLCCs are increasing. Some channels are now showing standard lead times of over 30 weeks. This suggests that the current problem with MLCCs is not limited to the risk of obsolescence, but rather stems from a significant decrease in supply flexibility.
Why is there a shortage of MLCCs again?
The primary reason for this MLCC cycle is that high-end demand is absorbing production capacity. In AI servers, high-capacitance, low-voltage, small-size MLCCs are used in much larger quantities. TrendForce data shows that one AI platform uses 47µF, 2.5V, X6S, 0402 MLCCs. The quantity per board increased from 1,440 units to 10,544 units, a 632% increase. For 100µF, 4V, X6S, 0805 MLCCs, the quantity per board increased from 320 to 500 units.
Expanding supply is not easy. High-capacitance MLCCs require more layers, thinner dielectrics, and stable sintering processes. Performance improvements are slow. TrendForce also notes that lead times for some high-capacitance X6S products have lengthened from 8 to 20 weeks. Murata's new plant in Izumo is not expected to reach full capacity until 2027. As a result, X5R and X7R MLCCs used in automotive electronics, 5G communications, power modules, and industrial equipment could also be indirectly affected. Not all part numbers will experience shortages simultaneously. However, the lead time for procuring high-capacitance, small-size, wide-temperature-range, or automotive-grade components is shrinking.
What real problems does the procurement department face?
For procurement teams, MLCC shortages mean more than just price increases. First, validating alternatives is not straightforward. In the case of a part like the CL10A226MP8NUNE—a 22 µF, 10 V, size 0603 MLCC—it might seem that matching capacitance, voltage, and package is sufficient. However, engineers must also verify the effective capacitance under DC bias. They must analyze ESR and ESL performance, thickness, termination structure, pad compatibility, and reflow soldering conditions.
Secondly, certification cycles are lengthening. If the component is used in automotive or high-reliability industrial projects, the purchasing department cannot simply verify the electrical parameters. It must also confirm compliance with AEC-Q200, RoHS, and REACH standards, as well as batch consistency, date codes, and quality traceability documentation. Even if an alternative component has similar electrical specifications, it may not be permitted for mass production if it is not on the customer's approved supplier list.
Third, cost and delivery times are becoming increasingly difficult to predict. When manufacturers prioritize high-end capacity for AI servers and customers with long-term contracts, regular demand from the industrial, communications, and repair sectors is more likely to face last-minute price increases, piecemeal deliveries, or inconsistent batch availability.
What can purchasing teams do?
Step 1: First, classify the risk levels of the bill of materials (BOM).
Teams should mark the following as high-priority tracking targets: 0603 and 0402 high-capacitance MLCCs, X5R/X6S/X7R types, automotive-grade MLCCs, power filter capacitors, and key decoupling capacitors for communications modules. Any part with lead times exceeding 16–20 weeks, repeated price increases, or inconsistent supplier responses should be included on the high-risk list.
Step 2: Confirm demand 2 to 3 months in advance.
If a project has entered the pilot or serial production phase, teams should not wait until the final round of Bill of Materials (BOM) procurement to check MLCCs. For components like the CL10A226MP8NUNE, whose lead times have clearly been extended, teams should review demand for the next 3 to 6 months in advance. They should also decide whether to place staggered orders or create a safety stock.
Step 3: Develop a list of verifiable alternatives.
Teams should organize the alternatives by original part number, candidates with the same specifications, validation status, and acceptable applications. For example, for the 22 µF, 10 V, X5R, and 0603 specification, teams can evaluate similar parts from Samsung, Murata, TDK, Taiyo Yuden, Yageo, Walsin, and CCTC. Official CCTC materials show that their MLCC products cover the 0603, X5R, and other specifications. They are used in 5G communications, automotive, power, and lighting.
Step 4: Don't skip validating alternatives.
Let's take the TCC0603X5R226M100CT . It's a 22 µF, 10 V, X5R, 0603 component. It can be considered for evaluation. However, engineers must confirm the DC bias curve, thermal characteristics, reliability rating, and solder compatibility. For automotive or customer-specified bills of materials (BOMs), teams should also confirm whether new samples, test reports, or customer approval are required.
Step 5: Expand supply channels proactively, not after shortages have already occurred.
As MLCC supplies dwindle, independent distributors add value not only by locating immediate stock but also by helping purchasing teams confirm availability across different brands, package sizes, and batches. For example, alongside CCTC and other alternative sources, WIN SOURCE can serve as a complementary channel. We help confirm stock levels, assess lead times, and provide cross-reference options for MLCCs within standard packaging and parameters.
The risk associated with MLCCs is shifting from "a single part number is out of stock" to "the supply flexibility of high-capacitance, small-size, high-reliability parts is decreasing." For purchasing teams, the most effective response is not to wait for prices to rise and then seek the lowest bid. It's to proactively identify high-risk part numbers, develop a list of verifiable alternatives, and factor inventory, quality traceability, and channel stability into every purchasing decision. WIN SOURCE's role in this process is to help companies transform market supply uncertainty into more manageable purchasing options.
