Compact camera module (CCM) makers' orders from smartphone vendors have been growing strongly especially for high-end camera modules with visibility already reaching the end of the second quarter, according to sources from the upstream supply chain.

　　As competitions are growing fiercer, most smartphone vendors have been trying to improve their product specifications such as cameras to attract demand and have been aggressively preparing related inventories for new models scheduled for the first half.

　　Taiwan-based CCM maker Lite-On Technology revealed that its monthly capacity reached over 26 million units at the end of 2013 and is set to expand capacity by at least 30% in 2014 to reach a volume of 33-35 million units per month.

　　Since some mid-range and entry-level smartphones are also starting to adopt high-end camera modules, Lite-On is closely monitoring related demand to prepare for possible extra capacity increases.

　　Meanwhile, Taiwan-based CCM maker Primax is aggressively landing orders from China-based clients and is seeing orders from Xiaomi and US-based clients grow rapidly. Some market watchers estimate that the maker's monthly capacity has reached over 20 million units.