Prices for copper foil, a raw material for making copper clad laminates (CCL), have hiked 5% in November 2010 to reflect rising copper costs, according to industry sources. Meanwhile, prices for fiber glass yarns and fabrics, other chief materials used in CCLs, have remained at high levels, the sources indicated.

Co-Tech Copper Foil, a Taiwan-based copper foil provider, pointed out that the price of copper foils has risen 13-15% since September. However, the ongoing bullish prices are unlikely to buoy its sales performance in the fourth quarter, the company noted.

Customers rushed to take deliveries after predicting another wave of price surges, Co-Tech said. Co-Tech revealed that in October, its copper foil shipments dropped to 1,350 tons from the 1,550 shipped in September. The company added that, judging from orders received, shipments may not pick up until December.

Co-Tech expects its shipments to be 3,900-4,000 tons in the fourth quarter, lower than its original estimate.

In addition, sources at fiber glass yarn and fabric makers indicated that customers are deferring orders in anticipation of price cuts. Quotes slid 5-10% between September and October, after having strengthened since early 2010.