Murata Manufacturing recently issued an official notice to customers, announcing that it will launch a product line optimization starting in fiscal year 2026, discontinuing certain MLCC products while simultaneously expanding capacity for others. According to the notice, customers must complete written confirmation by the end of 2027; the final order deadline is March 31, 2028, and final shipment is scheduled for March 31, 2029.

The discontinuation covers specific part numbers in both consumer-grade standard series and automotive-specification series, involving nine product families: GRM, GRJ, GRT, GXM, GXT, GCM, GCJ, GCG, and ZRA. Murata also emphasized that final orders must comply with minimum order quantity and packaging quantity requirements, and no cancellations or returns will be accepted except for quality issues.

Analysis of the Discontinuation

Murata aims to free up capacity for higher-margin AI server products by terminating production of low-margin mature part numbers. According to TrendForce statistics, in June this year, the three major manufacturers—Murata, Samsung Electro-Mechanics, and Taiyo Yuden—all reached their highest single-month shipments in nearly five years simultaneously, with Murata shipping 140 billion units in one month. Meanwhile, Murata's lead times for high-value-added MLCCs have surged from the previous 8–10 weeks to more than 20–26 weeks, with lead times for some high-end part numbers approaching 40 weeks.

Ripple Effects

Murata's exit has quickly sent shockwaves through the supply chain. In China's A-share market, Shuangxing New Materials hit its daily limit, while Fenghua Advanced Technology, Three-Circle, and others posted strong gains. Taiwan-based manufacturers including YAGEO, Walsin Technology, and Prosperity Dielectrics are also seen as direct beneficiaries of order transfers. As Japanese and Korean leaders continue shifting X5R consumer-grade capacity toward AI-oriented X6S/X7R high-end specifications, inventory levels for consumer-grade mid-to-high-capacitance part numbers have generally fallen below 30 days. Manufacturers with high-capacitance, high-voltage, and automotive-grade mass production capabilities are well positioned to capture the overflow orders first.

CONEVO Insights: High-Demand MLCC Part Numbers

During Murata's transition window of over two years, spot matching and substitute part verification will be critical for procurement. Currently high-demand part numbers include: GRM21BR61E106KA73K, GRT21BC81A106KE01L, GCM155R71H104KE02J, GCD21BR71H104KA01L, and GCJ21BR71H104KA01L. Relevant customers are advised to confirm their stocking plans as early as possible.

CONEVO has deep expertise in the electronic components supply chain, offering spot sourcing for discontinued part numbers, cross-brand substitute matching, long-term supply assurance, and one-stop procurement services—helping customers secure supply and navigate a smooth transition during this restructuring of the MLCC landscape.

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