Global Semiconductor Device - Market Share Analysis, Industry Trends & Statistics, Growth Forecasts (2024 - 2029)

The Global Semiconductor Device Market size is estimated at USD 621.01 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 928.93 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 8.39% during the forecast period (2024-2029). In terms of shipment volume, the market is expected to grow from 0.82 trillion units in 2024 to 1.15 trillion units by 2029, at a CAGR of 7.02% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

Semiconductor devices are typically manufactured through a complex process called semiconductor fabrication or integrated circuit (IC) manufacturing. This process involves precise manipulation of the semiconductor material to create components with specific electrical behavior.

Semiconductor devices are the backbone of modern electronics, powering everything from smartphones & computers to medical devices and renewable energy systems. One of the primary advantages of semiconductor devices is their small size and compactness.

Unlike older vacuum tube technology, which requires large and bulky components, semiconductor devices can be manufactured in extremely small sizes. This miniaturization has allowed for the development of portable and wearable electronics that are lightweight and easy to carry, such as smartphones, fitness trackers, and smartwatches.

The semiconductor devices market has witnessed a significant transformation in recent years due to the increasing adoption of advanced technologies like AI and IoT. These advanced technologies have paved the way for revolutionary changes in various industries, ranging from healthcare to automotive, and have opened up new avenues for the semiconductor devices market.

The explosive growth of data consumption is one of the primary market drivers of 5G. With the proliferation of connected devices, smartphones, and IoT applications, people generate an enormous amount of data daily. 5G's higher bandwidth and capacity will support this surge in data consumption, enabling seamless connectivity for users.

Moreover, the semiconductor supply chain is a complex network of interconnected stages involving design, manufacturing, testing, and distribution. The process begins with chip design, followed by wafer fabrication, assembly, and testing. Finally, the chips are distributed to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) who use them in various electronic devices. The surge in demand for electronic devices, driven by trends like remote working, e-commerce, and 5G adoption, has outpaced the supply capacity of semiconductor manufacturers. This increased demand has strained the entire supply chain, leading to shortages.

One of the significant aftereffects of the outbreak of COVID-19 is the increased usage of data. Moreover, it presented new opportunities for growing data generation due to increased remote working environments; various data center vendors consistently invest in new data centers in line with the insatiable need for data. According to the National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM), India's data center market investment is anticipated to reach approximately USD 4.6 billion in 2025.

Semiconductor Device Market Trends

Communication Industry to be the Largest End User

• Semiconductors play a pivotal role in wired communications, encompassing ethernet controllers, adapters, and switches. They feature Power over Ethernet (PoE) interface controllers, crucial for supporting Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), alongside powerline transceivers.
• In wireless communication, semiconductors are used in microwave, infrared, satellite, broadcast radio, mobile communications systems, Wi-Fi, and technologies such as Bluetooth and Zigbee. System-on-chip (SoC) and field-programmable gate array (FPGA) devices drive the evolution of wireless communication systems, notably 5G. Meanwhile, low-energy microcontrollers (MCUs) are pivotal in enhancing Bluetooth functionalities. Wireless sensor networks find applications in diverse fields, from environmental and structural monitoring to asset tracking.
• The market for semiconductors that power wireless communication is undergoing significant change with the increasing implementation of 5G. According to the GSMA, in 2025, the share of 5G mobile connections of total connections in South Korea and Japan are anticipated to account for 73% and 68%, respectively. Further, 95% of mobile connections will be 5G by 2030 in GCC states and 93% in Asia. The increasing adoption of 5G smartphones and networks creates new market opportunities.
• According to 5Gamericas.org, in 2023, the global count of fifth-generation (5G) subscriptions hit an estimated 1.9 billion, projected to soar to 8 billion by 2028. Compared to its predecessors, 5G technology boasts faster download speeds and significantly lower latency.

China to Witness Significant Growth

• Over the years, China's semiconductor industry has rapidly expanded and become one of the largest consumers of chips in the world. China aims to reduce its dependence on imported semiconductor components by developing a robust domestic supply chain.
• For instance, in May 2024, China established the third phase of a government-supported investment fund to expand its domestic semiconductor industry, which is the most significant phase to date. This move highlights China's determination to achieve self-sufficiency in light of US sanctions.
• The fund has a total registered capital of CNY 344 billion (USD 47.5 billion). The China Integrated Circuit Industry Investment Fund offers funding to the country's top two chip foundries, Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation and Hua Hong Semiconductor, and a few smaller companies.
• Moreover, the rapid growth of the consumer electronics industry, the government's efforts to promote domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on foreign technology, which have led to increased investment in semiconductor production facilities, the rise of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and internet of things, and the increasing demand for electric vehicles.
• The robust telecom industry in China is also a significant market driver. For instance, according to the National Bureau of Statistics of China, in March 2023, China generated a cumulative revenue of about CNY 151 billion (20.79 USD Billion) from its telecommunications industry. It had a year-on-year growth rate of approximately 4.8% that month.

Semiconductor Device Industry Overview

The semiconductor device market is semi-consolidated. It fluctuates with growing consolidation, technological advancement, and geopolitical scenarios. In addition to this increasing vertical integration of Foundries and IDMs, intense competition in the market studied is expected to rise, considering their ability to invest, which results from their revenues. Some players include Intel Corporation, Nvidia Corporation, Kyocera Corporation, Qualcomm Incorporated, and STMicroelectronics NV.

March 2024 - Amazon Web Services and Nvidia announced the extension of their collaboration to advance Gen AI innovation. To help customers unlock advanced generative artificial intelligence capabilities, Blackwell will offer the NVIDIA GB200 Grace Blackwell super chip and B100 Tensor core GPUs, which will extend the long-standing strategic collaboration between the two companies to deliver the most secure and advanced infrastructure, software, and services.

February 2024 - Intel Corporation unveiled Intel Foundry, a sustainable systems foundry tailored for the AI era. They also revealed an extended process roadmap to solidify their leadership well into the 2020s. The company emphasized strong customer backing and ecosystem support, with key partners like Synopsys, Cadence, Siemens, and Ansys, all geared to expedite chip design for Intel Foundry's clientele through advanced tools and design flows.

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