Core Viewpoint - The global semiconductor industry is undergoing unprecedented capacity restructuring, with a significant disparity between advanced and mature processes driven by geopolitical dynamics, technological divergence, and changing market demands [2][4]. Group 1: Advanced Process Competition - TSMC, Samsung, and Intel are fiercely competing in the advanced process segment, particularly in the 3nm and below category, with TSMC's 2nm process expected to start mass production in late 2025 [6][7]. - TSMC's 2nm process will have a monthly capacity of 50,000 wafers, primarily supplying Apple and Nvidia, with a projected ramp-up to 120,000 wafers per month by the end of 2026 [6]. - Samsung's 3nm GAA process has achieved an 80% yield and secured a $16.5 billion contract with Tesla, while its 2nm process is set for trial production in Q2 2025 [6][7]. - Intel's 18A process, utilizing Power Via technology, aims for a monthly capacity of 15,000 wafers by the end of 2025, targeting AI and autonomous driving applications [7]. Group 2: Mature Process Landscape - The global capacity for mature processes (8nm to 45nm) has surpassed 15 million wafers per month, with significant contributions from Chinese manufacturers [9][11]. - SMIC, as a leading Chinese foundry, has a monthly capacity of 50,000 wafers for 28nm and 30,000 wafers for 14nm processes, focusing on automotive electronics and IoT applications [9][11]. - UMC plans to reach a quarterly capacity of 128,000 12-inch equivalent wafers by Q4 2025, with strong demand for 22nm and 28nm processes [9][11]. - GlobalFoundries operates six fabs with a focus on 14nm, 12nm, and 22FDX processes, maintaining over 80% utilization in niche markets [10][11]. Group 3: Regional Capacity Dynamics - The construction of new fabs is increasingly regionalized, with 18 new fabs expected to start in 2025, reflecting a "chip sovereignty" strategy [38][39]. - The U.S. CHIPS Act incentivizes local production, while the EU's Chip Act supports expansion in Germany, and China continues to enhance its mature process capabilities [39]. - The trend towards "Local for Local" is evident, with Intel's Arizona fab prioritizing U.S. AI chip needs and TSMC's Kumamoto fab focusing on automotive chips for Japanese clients [39][40]. Group 4: Capacity and Process Overview in China - By 2025, China's wafer production capacity is projected to reach 4.49 million wafers per month, with a 14% year-on-year growth, particularly in the 28nm segment [11][17]. - Major Chinese foundries like SMIC and Hua Hong Semiconductor are expanding their capacities significantly, with SMIC's various fabs contributing to a diverse range of processes [18][19][20]. - The domestic semiconductor industry is forming a matrix centered around logic, memory, and specialty processes, with 12-inch lines accounting for 62% of the total capacity [17][41].

Core Viewpoint - The rapid development of China's chip industry has led to a significant drop in North American chip prices by 66%, creating a challenging situation for Western chip manufacturers [1][3][9] Group 1: Market Dynamics - China has become a global leader in the production of mid-to-low-end chips, surpassing the U.S. in chip output in 2024 [1][3] - The strong supply capacity of Chinese mid-to-low-end chips and their competitive pricing have contributed to the price decline in North America [3][5] - Chinese companies, such as Yangtze Memory Technologies, have successfully captured market share from American firms like Micron and Samsung through aggressive pricing strategies [3][5] Group 2: Impact on Western Companies - The influx of low-priced Chinese chips has pressured U.S. chip manufacturers, leading to significant revenue declines, such as a 96% drop in Wolfspeed's performance over three years and a 41.9% revenue decrease for Microchip Technology in Q4 2024 [5][7] - Many U.S. companies are facing survival challenges, resulting in layoffs and factory closures to cope with the market downturn [5][7] Group 3: Future Outlook - China's dominance in mid-to-low-end chips is expected to continue, as these chips are crucial for various consumer products, including air conditioners and electric vehicles [7][9] - Despite existing gaps in high-end chip technology, China is making strides, with companies like SMIC achieving mass production of 7nm chips [7][9] - The ongoing technological advancements suggest that China may soon break through existing barriers in the high-end chip market, further solidifying its global position [9][11] Group 4: Geopolitical Implications - The U.S. has attempted to counter China's chip rise through tariffs and sanctions, but these measures have not effectively curbed China's growth and have instead led to price drops in the U.S. market [9][11] - The potential for increased tariffs could backfire, leading to higher costs for American companies and further reliance on Chinese chips [7][9]