In the fourth quarter of 2024, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) recorded a market share of **** percent in the global semiconductor foundry market, while Samsung occupied *** percent of the market. In terms of revenue, the top ten semiconductor foundries worldwide generated ***** billion U.S. dollars in the fourth quarter of 2024. The semiconductor manufacturing process is complex The semiconductor supply chain can be categorized into roughly three distinct stages: design, fabrication, and assembly. Companies that perform all three of these steps are referred to as integrated device manufacturers, with examples including Intel and Samsung. Firms that only design chips, known as fabless companies, rely on chip manufacturers, or foundries, for fabrication. A reliance on semiconductor foundries Fabless companies work closely with the foundries, companies that manufacture chips in fabrication plants, with the market leader TSMC contracted by various companies. Founded in 1987, TSMC decided not to manufacture any products under its name so that the company never engages in direct competition with its customers. Under this strategy, TSMC became the world’s largest semiconductor foundry and a key supplier for large tech companies.

In the fourth quarter of 2024, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) generated about ***** billion U.S. dollars in revenue in the semiconductor foundry market, while Samsung made **** billion U.S. dollars. TSMC the dominant player The leading semiconductor foundry, TSMC, is contracted by a variety of companies to manufacture chips. Founded in 1987, TSMC decided not to manufacture any products under its name so that the company never engages in direct competition with its customers. Under this strategy, TSMC became the world’s largest semiconductor foundry and a key supplier for large tech companies. However, the company also faces challenges as it looks to keep up with growing demand. A broad semiconductor ecosystem Semiconductor companies can be categorized into three distinct types: integrated device manufacturers (IDMs), fabless semiconductor companies, and foundries. IDMs are responsible for all semiconductor manufacturing processes from design to production. Fabless companies produce designs for semiconductors but do not own any production facilities. The actual production, or fabrication, of semiconductors is outsourced to foundry companies.