China’s Blacklisted SMIC Becomes #2 Foundry by Outselling GlobalFoundries

The US has imposed sanctions on SMIC, restricting its access to certain advanced technologies. This was intended to hinder China's chip development.

Introduction

In the ever-evolving landscape of semiconductor manufacturing, Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp. (SMIC) stands out as a beacon of resilience and progress. Despite facing formidable challenges, including US sanctions, SMIC has demonstrated remarkable growth, emerging as the world’s second-largest pure-play foundry after Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC). Let’s delve into the intricacies of SMIC’s financial performance for the first quarter of 2024 and analyze the factors driving its success and areas warranting attention.

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SMIC: Navigating Adversity

SMIC’s journey to prominence has been punctuated by adversity. The company has been subject to stringent US sanctions, posing significant obstacles to its operations and growth trajectory. However, SMIC’s ability to navigate these challenges with resilience and determination underscores its strategic agility and long-term vision.

China’s Chip Ambitions: China has been pushing for domestic production of semiconductors to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers, especially in light of US-China tensions. SMIC is a key player in this strategy.

US Sanctions: The US has imposed sanctions on SMIC, restricting its access to certain advanced technologies. This was intended to hinder China’s chip development.

SMIC’s Growth: Despite the sanctions, SMIC has managed to grow its revenue significantly. This could be due to a few factors:

  • Increased demand for chips globally
  • Shifting focus to less advanced chips not restricted by sanctions
  • Growth in the Chinese domestic market

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SMIC: Financial Performance Overview

In Q1 2024, SMIC reported a revenue of $1.75 billion, marking a substantial increase of 19.7% year-over-year. This growth can be attributed to escalating orders and heightened production of high-performance processors. SMIC leveraged its cutting-edge 2nd Generation 7nm-class fabrication process to meet demand.

However, amidst this revenue surge, SMIC witnessed a notable decline in profitability.
Profits plummeted from $231.1 million in Q1 2023 to $71.792 million in Q1 2024.

This downturn occurred despite increased utilization rates (80.8% vs. 68.1%) and shipments (1.795 million 200-mm equivalent wafers vs. 1.252 million 200-mm equivalent wafers).

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Positioning in the Market

Image Credits: Tom’s Hardware

SMIC’s Q1 2024 performance cements its position as a formidable player in the semiconductor industry. With $1.75 billion in revenue, SMIC outpaced its rivals, including United Microelectronics Corporation (UMC) and GlobalFoundries, positioning itself as the world’s second-largest pure-play foundry after TSMC.

However, while SMIC’s ascent is noteworthy, it still trails behind Integrated Device Manufacturers (IDMs) like Intel and Samsung in terms of revenue and market dominance. Intel Foundry, despite reporting a revenue of $4.4 billion in Q1 2024, primarily caters to Intel’s internal demands, highlighting the nuanced dynamics of the semiconductor ecosystem.

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Challenges and Opportunities

SMIC’s Q1 2024 financial results unveil both triumphs and tribulations. The decline in profitability raises concerns and underscores the importance of enhancing operational efficiency and cost management strategies. While increased orders and production signify growing demand for SMIC’s advanced fabrication capabilities, sustaining profitability amidst intensifying competition and geopolitical headwinds remains a pressing challenge.

Moreover, SMIC’s continued reliance on mature process nodes and its pursuit of technological catch-up with industry leaders like TSMC pose strategic dilemmas. Investment in Research and Development (R&D) initiatives aimed at accelerating technological innovation and diversifying product offerings could bolster SMIC’s competitiveness and foster long-term sustainability.

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Conclusion: Charting a Course for Future Success

SMIC’s Q1 2024 performance exemplifies its resilience and capacity for growth in the face of adversity. As the world’s second-largest pure-play foundry, SMIC has positioned itself as a key player in the global semiconductor ecosystem. However, sustaining profitability and navigating geopolitical complexities necessitate strategic foresight and agility.

Moving forward, SMIC must prioritize initiatives aimed at enhancing profitability, driving technological innovation, and fortifying its market position. By leveraging its strengths and addressing underlying challenges, SMIC can chart a course for sustained success and emerge as a beacon of innovation and resilience in the semiconductor industry.

Kumar Priyadarshi
Kumar Priyadarshi

Kumar Priyadarshi is a prominent figure in the world of technology and semiconductors. With a deep passion for innovation and a keen understanding of the intricacies of the semiconductor industry, Kumar has established himself as a thought leader and expert in the field. He is the founder of Techovedas, India’s first semiconductor and AI tech media company, where he shares insights, analysis, and trends related to the semiconductor and AI industries.

Kumar Joined IISER Pune after qualifying IIT-JEE in 2012. In his 5th year, he travelled to Singapore for his master’s thesis which yielded a Research Paper in ACS Nano. Kumar Joined Global Foundries as a process Engineer in Singapore working at 40 nm Process node. He couldn’t find joy working in the fab and moved to India. Working as a scientist at IIT Bombay as Senior Scientist, Kumar Led the team which built India’s 1st Memory Chip with Semiconductor Lab (SCL)

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