UMC April sales surge 11% as semiconductor demand recovery gains momentum

United Microelectronics (NYSE:UMC) reported strong top-line momentum for the start of the second quarter, with April 2026 net sales climbing 10.8% year-over-year.

The Hsinchu-based semiconductor foundry posted unaudited consolidated revenues of NT$22.66 billion for the month, compared to NT$20.45 billion in April 2025.

The monthly performance marks an acceleration from the first quarter, bringing cumulative sales for the first four months of 2026 to NT$83.70 billion.

This represents a 6.88% increase over the NT$78.31 billion reported during the same period last year, signaling a broader recovery in the global semiconductor supply chain.

The April surge follows a first quarter where UMC successfully stabilized its gross margins at 29.2% despite a challenging pricing environment.

Management previously indicated that wafer shipments began a sequential recovery in early 2026, particularly within the consumer segment.

Utilization rates, which hovered around 79% in the first quarter, are expected to trend toward the low-80% range in the second quarter as orders for 22nm and 28nm specialty processes continue to gain traction.