Zhong Guo Jing Ying Bao·2025-09-18 10:27Key Points on China's Integrated Circuit Industry Recent Breakthroughs - China's integrated circuit industry has made significant advancements in design, equipment, and materials over the past two years, with overall strength steadily improving [3]. - Tianyue Advanced has achieved major breakthroughs in large-size substrate materials, with core parameters optimized, supporting device applications [3]. - Domestic manufacturers have reached a competitive level with international counterparts, particularly in silicon carbide (SiC) substrates, with Tianyue Advanced supplying a significant portion of 8-inch SiC substrates to overseas markets [6][3]. Progress in Domestic Substitution - The domestic substitution process in the integrated circuit field is advancing, although there are still high external dependencies in high-end equipment and core IP [5]. - The domestic semiconductor equipment localization rate has been increasing, with companies like Zhongwei focusing on etching, thin film, and measurement equipment to support domestic production [5][6]. - The localization rate for 8-inch silicon wafers is nearly complete, while the 12-inch silicon wafer localization rate is around 50% [6]. Global Competitive Landscape - China is a leading semiconductor consumer and producer, but many sectors are still dominated by foreign companies, leading to oligopolistic market conditions [7]. - Domestic manufacturers are gradually expanding their market share in mid-to-low-end products, while high-end applications remain largely controlled by international firms [7][9]. - The rapid iteration of technology and strong industry chain capabilities are seen as advantages for domestic companies [8]. Strategies for Internationalization - Companies like Huazhong Micro aim to deepen domestic market engagement while also expanding internationally to enhance their competitive edge [11]. - Zhongke Feicai is focused on providing domestic measurement equipment to global clients, emphasizing the importance of internationalization in their business strategy [11][12]. Challenges in Process Upgrades - Domestic suppliers face challenges in technology iteration and process upgrades, particularly in high-end components and talent acquisition [13]. - Companies are focusing on cultivating domestic suppliers and enhancing their technical capabilities to overcome these challenges [13]. Future Technology Trends - The industry is looking towards advancements in SiC substrates and 3D chip structures, with companies like Tianyue Advanced and Zhongwei leading in these areas [14][15]. - The growth of AI is expected to significantly increase demand for semiconductor equipment, driving technological upgrades and market expansion [15]. Mergers and Acquisitions - The integrated circuit industry is witnessing a trend of mergers and acquisitions, which are seen as essential for achieving scale and enhancing competitiveness [16][17]. - Companies are encouraged to pursue strategic mergers that create synergies and improve market positioning [17][18]. Development Strategies of Industry Leaders - Companies are setting ambitious goals, such as becoming top suppliers in their respective fields, with a focus on innovation and market expansion [19][20]. - Huazhong Micro plans to enhance its product offerings in emerging markets like humanoid robots and AI servers, while Tianyue Advanced aims to lead in SiC substrate production [21][22].