South Korea MLCC Market Size and Share

South Korea MLCC Market Summary
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South Korea MLCC Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence

The South Korea MLCC market size is estimated to be USD 3.16 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 7.64 billion by 2030, growing at a 19.26% CAGR during the forecast period. The rapid expansion of semiconductor fabrication capacity, sustained momentum in consumer electronics, and a sharp rise in electric-vehicle (EV) production underpin this trajectory. Local policy incentives totaling USD 471 billion are accelerating capital spending on advanced passive-component lines, while the transition to 5G and AI-enabled devices is pushing demand for high-capacitance stacks and ultra-miniaturized formats. Automotive electrification is increasing per-unit MLCC content, and the elevated adoption of glass-ceramic dielectrics is opening up ultra-high-voltage niches. Moderate supplier concentration, persistent raw material volatility, and substitution threats from thin-film polymer capacitors temper the otherwise buoyant outlook for the South Korean MLCC market.

Key Report Takeaways

  • By dielectric type, Class 1 devices accounted for 62.70% of the South Korean MLCC market share in 2024; this segment is projected to expand at a 20.78% CAGR through 2030.
  • By case size, 201 devices accounted for 56.48% of sales in 2024; however, 402 units are projected to post a 20.56% CAGR to the end of the decade.
  • By voltage rating, parts with a rating of ≤100 V captured 59.34% of the revenue in 2024 and are poised for a 20.55% CAGR as low-power architectures proliferate.
  • By MLCC mounting type, surface-mount variants accounted for 41.70% of 2024 revenue, whereas metal-cap formats are forecast to grow at a 19.98% CAGR to 2030.
  • By end-user application, consumer electronics led with 51.46% share in 2024, while automotive is advancing at a 21.16% CAGR on the back of EV adoption.

Segment Analysis

By Dielectric Type: Class 1 Dominance Drives Premium Applications

Class 1 devices captured 62.70% of the South Korean MLCC market in 2024, reflecting their stable capacitance over the –55 °C to 125 °C range and tight ±5% tolerances. This share is forecast to widen as these parts exhibit a 20.78% CAGR through 2030, reinforcing their role in 5 G radios, precision timing circuits, and ADAS modules. Performance gains stem from BaTiO₃ heterostructures that achieve 19 times higher energy density without sacrificing temperature stability. Suppliers are optimizing sintering profiles and dopant chemistries to mitigate grain boundary diffusion, a key factor in maintaining yield losses below 7%.

The South Korea MLCC market further benefits as glass-ceramic Class 1 formulations unlock ratings above 1,000 V, aligning with 800 V traction inverters and industrial drives. Automotive OEMs impose AEC-Q200 cycling, which stresses insulation resistance after 2,000 thermal swings. A test, Class 1 parts meet this requirement more reliably than Class 2 options. Consequently, premium ASPs offset higher kiln energy costs, protecting supplier margins. Although R&D expenses rise, first movers gain multiyear design-in stickiness, sustaining the leading share of Class 1 offerings.

South Korea MLCC Market: Market Share by Dielectric Type
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By Case Size: Miniaturization Pressures Drive 402 Growth

201-size capacitors accounted for 56.48% of revenue in 2024, thanks to robust assembly yields of around 95% and compatibility with legacy SMT lines. Yet, 402 formats are projected to climb at a 20.56% CAGR, driven by smartphones and wearables that require thinner boards without compromising capacitance budgets. The South Korea MLCC market size for 402 packages is thus rising quickly alongside investments in sub-micron screen-printing masks and advanced placement heads.

Yield learning curves are steep: every 1% scrap increase can shave 45 bps off EBIT margins, making process control critical. Automotive boards, by contrast, favor 603 and 1005 cases for their vibration robustness, thereby creating a bifurcation in demand. Ultra-small 01005 units remain niche because optical inspection with pixel resolutions below 8 µm is more costly. However, in high-density SiP assemblies, their adoption safeguards South Korea MLCC market growth by meeting aggressive form-factor targets.

By Voltage: Low-Voltage Segments Balance Performance and Cost

Capacitors rated at 100 V or less accounted for 59.34% of 2024 sales and exhibited the fastest 20.55% CAGR, aligning with sub-1 V core rails in advanced processors. Such dominance highlights the South Korean MLCC market's size advantage in consumer electronics, where the cost-to-performance ratio is a key consideration. Thickness reductions in dielectric layers improve volumetric efficiency, yet they also push dielectric breakdown thresholds closer to operating points, necessitating tighter process windows.

Mid-voltage (100–500 V) categories are growing steadily in LED lighting drivers and industrial control units, while grades exceeding 500 V are increasingly earmarked for silicon-carbide inverters in renewable energy plants. Glass-ceramic stacks with layer counts exceeding 500 are entering pilot runs, targeting 1,200 V ratings for wide-bandgap semiconductor modules. These specialized offerings elevate ASPs, partially hedging against the value-deflation trend in low-voltage mass markets.

By MLCC Mounting Type: Surface-Mount Technology Leads Market Transformation

Surface-mount units accounted for 41.70% of 2024 revenue and remain central to automated assembly flows across Korea’s handset and TV plants. Process innovations—such as plated-termination alloys that resist tin-whisker growth—are improving joint reliability under 125 °C reflow, extending SMT leadership. The segment’s 19.26% CAGR parallels the broader South Korea MLCC market trajectory, fueled by 0201 line-rate upgrades on flagship SMT platforms.

Metal-cap styles, though niche at present, are surging at 19.98% CAGR as EV control boards demand higher vibration resilience and thermal pathways. These caps shield ceramic cores from flexural stress, cutting fracture incidents by up to 80% in field tests. Radial-lead types retain footholds where through-hole soldering offers mechanical assurance—such as grid-tied inverters and rail traction electronics. Yet their share is slipping as designers consolidate on SMT to trim board real estate.

South Korea MLCC Market: Market Share by MLCC Mounting Type
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By End-User Application: Automotive Growth Accelerates Market Transformation

Consumer electronics generated 51.46% of the revenue in 2024, primarily from smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs manufactured domestically by Samsung and LG. Model refreshes pivoting to foldable displays, preserving unit counts, though growth moderates as replacement cycles lengthen. Meanwhile, automotive demand is soaring at a 21.16% CAGR, with every battery EV incorporating up to 8,000 MLCCs across traction inverters, BMS, and infotainment subsystems. The South Korea MLCC market, therefore, gains a mitigating buffer as handset cyclicality cools.

Telecommunications infrastructure-the build-out of 5 G small cells and data centers-is another solid pillar, advantaged by glass-ceramic dielectrics that maintain low loss at high frequencies. Industrial automation and renewables deliver steady, specification-heavy orders that lengthen product life cycles and stabilize ASPs. Medical device adoption inches forward, anchored by rigorous biocompatibility and longevity tests, which secure durable, albeit small, revenue streams.

Geography Analysis

South Korea anchors regional demand and supply, leveraging proximity to Samsung Electronics and LG assembly clusters that facilitate rapid design-iteration loops and just-in-time logistics. Domestic policies subsidize advanced packaging nodes, where MLCCs ensure power integrity, thereby integrating component makers into broader semiconductor value chains. Proximity advantages shorten qualification timelines for handset releases that refresh every 12–18 months, reinforcing stickiness between OEMs and local MLCC suppliers.

Cross-border trade with China amplifies the South Korean MLCC market, as finished capacitors are moved into Shenzhen and Chongqing board-stuffing lines before re-entering Korea as complete devices. This circular flow exposes the economy to Chinese economic fluctuations but also opens up volume channels unavailable elsewhere. Japanese rivals Murata and TDK continue to command steep premiums in precision classes, yet the tariff landscape and shipping costs bestow strategic leverage on Korean incumbents.

Northeast Asia’s clustering does, however, accentuate systemic risks from natural disasters and geopolitical frictions-events that can stall powder shipments or port clearances in hours. The 2025 normalization of global semiconductor supply unlocks kiln capacity once reserved for logic back-end, letting passive-component fabs scale. Nevertheless, top Japanese sites still possess leading-edge dielectric formulations, exerting technological pressure on South Korean producers to accelerate their materials roadmaps. These regional dynamics collectively shape both upside and downside scenarios for the South Korea MLCC market.

Competitive Landscape

Innovation and Specialization Drive Future Success

Samsung Electro-Mechanics leads domestic output while contending with Murata and TDK’s entrenched global share. Entry barriers stem from multibillion-dollar kiln networks, decade-long process know-how, and rigorous AEC-Q200 certs that newcomers struggle to attain. Samsung leverages in-house smartphone and TV demand to absorb early-ramp yield losses, cushioning profit volatility. Q4 2024 results showed an operating profit of KRW 6.50 trillion, even amid memory downturns, reflecting resilient MLCC sales to data center and EV clients.

Murata is expanding FY 2026 capex by 49.6% to scale server-grade capacitor lines. TDK is gradually rebalancing its product mix toward automotive inventories, which are expected to normalize by H2 2025. Smaller Asian firms, while agile in commodity classes, lack ceramics expertise to challenge top-tier precision segments. Strategic collaborations, such as Samsung’s tie-up with BYD, show how Korean makers deepen footprints in Chinese EV ecosystems to diversify away from smartphones.

White-space innovation centers on glass-ceramic dielectrics exceeding 1,000 V and embedded-passive packages that integrate MLCC plates within organic substrates. Disruptive threats also loom from multilayer polymer capacitors launched by Quantic Paktron at 1,200 VDC ratings. The South Korea MLCC market thus hinges on continuous process intensification, powder self-sufficiency, and co-design services that lock customers into multi-year programs.

South Korea MLCC Industry Leaders

  1. Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.

  2. Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

  3. TDK Corporation

  4. Taiyo Yuden Co., Ltd.

  5. Kyocera AVX Components Corporation

  6. *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
South Korea MLCC Market
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Recent Industry Developments

  • January 2025: Samsung Electro-Mechanics reported Q4 2024 operating profit of KRW 6.50 trillion, expanded automotive MLCC lines, and inked fresh supply pacts with BYD for EV battery-management boards.
  • December 2024: Murata Manufacturing lifted FY 2026 capex to ¥270 billion (+49.6% YoY) to boost capacitor capacity for servers and e-mobility demand.
  • November 2024: TDK cited prolonged automotive inventory corrections in its Q1 2024 briefing, projecting recovery by H2 2025.
  • October 2024: Nature Communications published research on tungsten-bronze ceramics achieving 12.2 J/cm³ energy density, flagging a path for next-generation MLCC dielectrics.

Table of Contents for South Korea MLCC Industry Report

1. INTRODUCTION

  • 1.1 Study Assumptions and Market Definition
  • 1.2 Scope of the Study

2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

4. MARKET LANDSCAPE

  • 4.1 Market Overview
  • 4.2 Market Drivers
    • 4.2.1 Surging demand from EV?battery management systems
    • 4.2.2 5G smartphone design transition toward high-capacitance MLCC stacks
    • 4.2.3 Government incentives for domestic semiconductor and passive-component fabs
    • 4.2.4 Expansion of SiP (System-in-Package) modules in consumer electronics
    • 4.2.5 Reliability-focused MLCC qualification for ADAS and autonomous driving
    • 4.2.6 Adoption of glass-ceramic dielectrics enabling ultra-high voltage ratings
  • 4.3 Market Restraints
    • 4.3.1 Raw-material price volatility (nickel and palladium)
    • 4.3.2 Supply-demand cyclicality linked to smartphone production
    • 4.3.3 Miniaturization ceiling for conventional X7R/X5R compositions
    • 4.3.4 Emerging thin-film polymer capacitors replacing mid-cap MLCCs
  • 4.4 Industry Value Chain Analysis
  • 4.5 Impact of Macroeconomic Factors
  • 4.6 Regulatory Landscape
  • 4.7 Technological Outlook
  • 4.8 Porter?s Five Forces Analysis
    • 4.8.1 Threat of New Entrants
    • 4.8.2 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
    • 4.8.3 Bargaining Power of Buyers
    • 4.8.4 Threat of Substitutes
    • 4.8.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry

5. MARKET SIZE AND GROWTH FORECASTS (VALUE)

  • 5.1 By Dielectric Type
    • 5.1.1 Class 1
    • 5.1.2 Class 2
  • 5.2 By Case Size
    • 5.2.1 201
    • 5.2.2 402
    • 5.2.3 603
    • 5.2.4 1005
    • 5.2.5 1210
    • 5.2.6 Other Case Sizes
  • 5.3 By Voltage
    • 5.3.1 Low Voltage (less than or equal to 100 V)
    • 5.3.2 Mid Voltage (100 ? 500 V)
    • 5.3.3 High Voltage (above 500 V)
  • 5.4 By Capacitance
    • 5.4.1 Low-Range Capacitance
    • 5.4.2 Mid-Range Capacitance
    • 5.4.3 High-Range Capacitance
  • 5.5 By MLCC Mounting Type
    • 5.5.1 Metal Cap
    • 5.5.2 Radial Lead
    • 5.5.3 Surface Mount
  • 5.6 By End User Application
    • 5.6.1 Aerospace and Defence
    • 5.6.2 Automotive
    • 5.6.3 Consumer Electronics
    • 5.6.4 Industrial
    • 5.6.5 Medical Devices
    • 5.6.6 Power and Utilities
    • 5.6.7 Telecommunication
    • 5.6.8 Other End User Applications

6. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

  • 6.1 Market Concentration
  • 6.2 Strategic Moves
  • 6.3 Market Share Analysis
  • 6.4 Company Profiles (includes Global level Overview, Market level overview, Core Segments, Financials as available, Strategic Information, Market Rank/Share for key companies, Products and Services, and Recent Developments)
    • 6.4.1 Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    • 6.4.2 Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    • 6.4.3 TDK Corporation
    • 6.4.4 Taiyo Yuden Co., Ltd.
    • 6.4.5 Kyocera AVX Components Corporation
    • 6.4.6 Samwha Capacitor Co., Ltd.
    • 6.4.7 Nippon Chemi-Con Corporation
    • 6.4.8 Vishay Intertechnology Inc.
    • 6.4.9 Walsin Technology Corporation
    • 6.4.10 Yageo Corporation
    • 6.4.11 Würth Elektronik GmbH and Co. KG
    • 6.4.12 Maruwa Co., Ltd.
    • 6.4.13 Sam Young Electronics Co., Ltd.
    • 6.4.14 Darfon Electronics Corp.
    • 6.4.15 Holy Stone Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    • 6.4.16 Panasonic Holdings Corporation
    • 6.4.17 KEMET Corporation (Yageo Group)
    • 6.4.18 Shenzhen Sunlord Electronics Co., Ltd.

7. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE OUTLOOK

  • 7.1 White-Space and Unmet-Need Assessment
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South Korea MLCC Market Report Scope

Class 1, Class 2 are covered as segments by Dielectric Type. 0 201, 0 402, 0 603, 1 005, 1 210, Others are covered as segments by Case Size. 500V to 1000V, Less than 500V, More than 1000V are covered as segments by Voltage. 100µF to 1000µF, Less than 100µF, More than 1000µF are covered as segments by Capacitance. Metal Cap, Radial Lead, Surface Mount are covered as segments by Mlcc Mounting Type. Aerospace and Defence, Automotive, Consumer Electronics, Industrial, Medical Devices, Power and Utilities, Telecommunication, Others are covered as segments by End User.
By Dielectric Type
Class 1
Class 2
By Case Size
201
402
603
1005
1210
Other Case Sizes
By Voltage
Low Voltage (less than or equal to 100 V)
Mid Voltage (100 ? 500 V)
High Voltage (above 500 V)
By Capacitance
Low-Range Capacitance
Mid-Range Capacitance
High-Range Capacitance
By MLCC Mounting Type
Metal Cap
Radial Lead
Surface Mount
By End User Application
Aerospace and Defence
Automotive
Consumer Electronics
Industrial
Medical Devices
Power and Utilities
Telecommunication
Other End User Applications
By Dielectric Type Class 1
Class 2
By Case Size 201
402
603
1005
1210
Other Case Sizes
By Voltage Low Voltage (less than or equal to 100 V)
Mid Voltage (100 ? 500 V)
High Voltage (above 500 V)
By Capacitance Low-Range Capacitance
Mid-Range Capacitance
High-Range Capacitance
By MLCC Mounting Type Metal Cap
Radial Lead
Surface Mount
By End User Application Aerospace and Defence
Automotive
Consumer Electronics
Industrial
Medical Devices
Power and Utilities
Telecommunication
Other End User Applications
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Market Definition

  • MLCC (Multilayer Ceramic Capacitor) - A type of capacitor that consists of multiple layers of ceramic material, alternating with conductive layers, used for energy storage and filtering in electronic circuits.
  • Voltage - The maximum voltage that a capacitor can safely withstand without experiencing breakdown or failure. It is typically expressed in volts (V)
  • Capacitance - The measure of a capacitor's ability to store electrical charge, expressed in farads (F). It determines the amount of energy that can be stored in the capacitor
  • Case Size - The physical dimensions of an MLCC, typically expressed in codes or millimeters, indicating its length, width, and height
Keyword Definition
MLCC (Multilayer Ceramic Capacitor) A type of capacitor that consists of multiple layers of ceramic material, alternating with conductive layers, used for energy storage and filtering in electronic circuits.
Capacitance The measure of a capacitor's ability to store electrical charge, expressed in farads (F). It determines the amount of energy that can be stored in the capacitor
Voltage Rating The maximum voltage that a capacitor can safely withstand without experiencing breakdown or failure. It is typically expressed in volts (V)
ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance) The total resistance of a capacitor, including its internal resistance and parasitic resistances. It affects the capacitor's ability to filter high-frequency noise and maintain stability in a circuit.
Dielectric Material The insulating material used between the conductive layers of a capacitor. In MLCCs, commonly used dielectric materials include ceramic materials like barium titanate and ferroelectric materials
SMT (Surface Mount Technology) A method of electronic component assembly that involves mounting components directly onto the surface of a printed circuit board (PCB) instead of through-hole mounting.
Solderability The ability of a component, such as an MLCC, to form a reliable and durable solder joint when subjected to soldering processes. Good solderability is crucial for proper assembly and functionality of MLCCs on PCBs.
RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) A directive that restricts the use of certain hazardous materials, such as lead, mercury, and cadmium, in electrical and electronic equipment. Compliance with RoHS is essential for automotive MLCCs due to environmental regulations
Case Size The physical dimensions of an MLCC, typically expressed in codes or millimeters, indicating its length, width, and height
Flex Cracking A phenomenon where MLCCs can develop cracks or fractures due to mechanical stress caused by bending or flexing of the PCB. Flex cracking can lead to electrical failures and should be avoided during PCB assembly and handling.
Aging MLCCs can experience changes in their electrical properties over time due to factors like temperature, humidity, and applied voltage. Aging refers to the gradual alteration of MLCC characteristics, which can impact the performance of electronic circuits.
ASPs (Average Selling Prices) The average price at which MLCCs are sold in the market, expressed in USD million. It reflects the average price per unit
Voltage The electrical potential difference across an MLCC, often categorized into low-range voltage, mid-range voltage, and high-range voltage, indicating different voltage levels
MLCC RoHS Compliance Compliance with the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive, which restricts the use of certain hazardous substances, such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and others, in the manufacturing of MLCCs, promoting environmental protection and safety
Mounting Type The method used to attach MLCCs to a circuit board, such as surface mount, metal cap, and radial lead, which indicates the different mounting configurations
Dielectric Type The type of dielectric material used in MLCCs, often categorized into Class 1 and Class 2, representing different dielectric characteristics and performance
Low-Range Voltage MLCCs designed for applications that require lower voltage levels, typically in the low voltage range
Mid-Range Voltage MLCCs designed for applications that require moderate voltage levels, typically in the middle range of voltage requirements
High-Range Voltage MLCCs designed for applications that require higher voltage levels, typically in the high voltage range
Low-Range Capacitance MLCCs with lower capacitance values, suitable for applications that require smaller energy storage
Mid-Range Capacitance MLCCs with moderate capacitance values, suitable for applications that require intermediate energy storage
High-Range Capacitance MLCCs with higher capacitance values, suitable for applications that require larger energy storage
Surface Mount MLCCs designed for direct surface mounting onto a printed circuit board (PCB), allowing for efficient space utilization and automated assembly
Class 1 Dielectric MLCCs with Class 1 dielectric material, characterized by a high level of stability, low dissipation factor, and low capacitance change over temperature. They are suitable for applications requiring precise capacitance values and stability
Class 2 Dielectric MLCCs with Class 2 dielectric material, characterized by a high capacitance value, high volumetric efficiency, and moderate stability. They are suitable for applications that require higher capacitance values and are less sensitive to capacitance changes over temperature
RF (Radio Frequency) It refers to the range of electromagnetic frequencies used in wireless communication and other applications, typically from 3 kHz to 300 GHz, enabling the transmission and reception of radio signals for various wireless devices and systems.
Metal Cap A protective metal cover used in certain MLCCs (Multilayer Ceramic Capacitors) to enhance durability and shield against external factors like moisture and mechanical stress
Radial Lead A terminal configuration in specific MLCCs where electrical leads extend radially from the ceramic body, facilitating easy insertion and soldering in through-hole mounting applications.
Temperature Stability The ability of MLCCs to maintain their capacitance values and performance characteristics across a range of temperatures, ensuring reliable operation in varying environmental conditions.
Low ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance) MLCCs with low ESR values have minimal resistance to the flow of AC signals, allowing for efficient energy transfer and reduced power losses in high-frequency applications.
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Research Methodology

Mordor Intelligence has followed the following methodology in all our MLCC reports.

  • Step 1: Identify Data Points: In this step, we identified key data points crucial for comprehending the MLCC market. This included historical and current production figures, as well as critical device metrics such as attachment rate, sales, production volume, and average selling price. Additionally, we estimated future production volumes and attachment rates for MLCCs in each device category. Lead times were also determined, aiding in forecasting market dynamics by understanding the time required for production and delivery, thereby enhancing the accuracy of our projections.
  • Step 2: Identify Key Variables: In this step, we focused on identifying crucial variables essential for constructing a robust forecasting model for the MLCC market. These variables include lead times, trends in raw material prices used in MLCC manufacturing, automotive sales data, consumer electronics sales figures, and electric vehicle (EV) sales statistics. Through an iterative process, we determined the necessary variables for accurate market forecasting and proceeded to develop the forecasting model based on these identified variables.
  • Step 3: Build a Market Model: In this step, we utilized production data and key industry trend variables, such as average pricing, attachment rate, and forecasted production data, to construct a comprehensive market estimation model. By integrating these critical variables, we developed a robust framework for accurately forecasting market trends and dynamics, thereby facilitating informed decision-making within the MLCC market landscape.
  • Step 4: Validate and Finalize: In this crucial step, all market numbers and variables derived through an internal mathematical model were validated through an extensive network of primary research experts from all the markets studied. The respondents are selected across levels and functions to generate a holistic picture of the market studied.
  • Step 5: Research Outputs: Syndicated Reports, Custom Consulting Assignments, Databases, and Subscription Platform
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