Global Semiconductor Market Continues Uptrend in Q3... Samsung Maintains 'No.1 in Sales'

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] The global semiconductor market is expected to continue its upward trend in the third quarter of this year. Among the top revenue-generating companies, only the U.S. company Intel is expected to experience negative growth in the third quarter, while Samsung Electronics is anticipated to further solidify its position as the 'No. 1 in the semiconductor industry.'

According to market research firm IC Insights on the 12th, the combined revenue of the top 15 global semiconductor manufacturers in the third quarter of this year is projected to reach $119.195 billion (approximately 139.5 trillion KRW), a 7% increase compared to the previous quarter. IC Insights forecasted that Samsung Electronics will maintain its industry-leading position with third-quarter revenue of $22.32 billion, a 10% increase from the previous quarter. Samsung Electronics, which surpassed Intel to become the industry leader in the second quarter with a 19% revenue increase, is expected to sustain strong sales in the third quarter due to favorable market conditions for memory semiconductors.

(Source: IC Insights)

Alongside Samsung Electronics, memory semiconductor powerhouses SK Hynix and U.S.-based Micron are expected to record third-quarter revenues of $10.135 billion and $8.465 billion respectively, each showing a 10% growth from the previous quarter, maintaining their 4th and 5th place rankings.

On the other hand, Intel is estimated to record $18.785 billion in revenue for the third quarter of this year, which is a 3% decrease compared to the second quarter. Among the top 15 global semiconductor manufacturers compiled by IC Insights, Intel is the only company expected to see a decline in third-quarter revenue. IC Insights stated, "While the overall semiconductor market is expected to grow by 24% this year, Intel is expected to show particularly weak performance," adding, "Revenue is projected to remain at similar levels not only in the third quarter but also in the fourth quarter."

TSMC, the third-largest semiconductor foundry company in Taiwan, is forecasted to achieve $14.75 billion in revenue in the third quarter, an 11% increase from the second quarter. IC Insights noted that TSMC's revenue is expected to further increase by about 4% in the fourth quarter, with second-half revenue rising 14% compared to the first half, resulting in an annual revenue growth rate exceeding 20% year-over-year.

Among the top 15 companies, the largest growth is expected from Apple, which is projected to record $3.5 billion in revenue, a 13% increase from the previous quarter. Following Apple, Qualcomm is also expected to see a 12% increase in third-quarter revenue, reaching $7.25 billion.