Prices for fiber glass fabrics, which are used for making copper clad laminates (CCL), are set to increase by 5-10% in April 2011, according to industry sources. Mainstream 7628-size fabrics, for example, will be quoted at US$0.90-1 per meter, up 10%.

Prices for thinner glass fabrics may edge higher in April, rising by 10% or more, the sources said. Supply of 1080- and 106-size fabrics is expected to fall short of demand more severely due to failure of supplies from Japan.

Yarn producer Nittobo also makes thin glass fabrics, and the company is still unable to restore full production at its factory sites located in Fukushima Prefecture, the area struck by the March 11 earthquake.