Description: EV boom drives demand for SiC MOSFETs and automotive MCUs, with OEMs securing supply years ahead. Distributors eye premium export contracts.
The global automotive semiconductor market is entering a high-demand phase that shows no sign of cooling. In June, China’s electric vehicle (EV) penetration rate reached 45% of all new car sales — the highest on record. This milestone is putting intense pressure on the supply of silicon carbide (SiC) MOSFETs, automotive-grade MCUs, and ADAS processors. AutoSemi Intelligence reports that Tier-1 suppliers have begun locking in multi-year, exclusive agreements with leading foundries. Some SiC wafer producers in the US, Japan, and China are now prioritizing automotive customers to the point that industrial and consumer sectors face reduced allocations. The ripple effects extend overseas. European and North American EV brands are increasingly sourcing automotive electronics from Asia-Pacific distributors, citing not just cost benefits, but also the ability to obtain niche components with higher reliability ratings. For exporters, the opportunity is substantial — but so are the compliance challenges. EU battery regulations, evolving ISO 26262 safety requirements, and North American USMCA rules demand traceable sourcing, rigorous quality assurance, and customs expertise. “Automotive electronics is no longer about who has the best price — it’s about who can deliver the exact part, with full compliance, exactly when it’s needed,” commented a senior export manager at a United States-based distributor. Industry watchers predict the second half of 2025 will see continued upward pricing pressure, particularly on high-voltage power devices and vehicle radar modules, as the EV market expands globally.