CCL Market Tightens as Korea Import Prices Surge 74.5% YoY — AI Demand Drives Copper Clad Laminate Shortage

The copper clad laminate (CCL) market is experiencing its most severe supply crunch in decades, with South Korea's import prices surging by 74.5% to a record $20,728 per ton in March 2026. This unprecedented rise is driven by high demand for AI-optimized materials used in advanced GPUs and AI accelerators, leading PCB makers to secure supply with substantial advance orders.