AI and Consumer Electronics Drive Top-10 Foundry Revenue to $45.1 Billion in 3Q25

The global foundry industry recorded revenue growth in the third quarter of 2025, driven by demand for AI applications in high-performance computing (HPC), new consumer electronics chips, and IC peripherals. Advanced processes at 7nm and below contributed primarily, supported by high-value wafers. Chinese foundries expanded through supply-chain diversification. Total revenue for the top 10 foundries rose 8.1% quarter-over-quarter to nearly US$45.1 billion.

Expectations for 2026 demand have turned cautious due to geopolitical factors. DRAM shortages and quarterly price increases since mid-2025 have raised downstream production costs. Automotive and industrial-control segments plan to resume restocking toward the end of 2025, but the fourth-quarter increase in foundry utilization will remain limited. Revenue growth for the top 10 is expected to narrow in 4Q25.

TSMC reported revenue growth from smartphones and HPC in 3Q25. Apple stockpiled for new iPhones, and NVIDIA's Blackwell platform reached peak mass production, increasing wafer shipments and average selling prices quarter-over-quarter. TSMC's revenue increased 9.3% to slightly above $33 billion, with market share rising slightly to 71%.

Samsung Foundry's capacity utilization increased slightly from the prior quarter, but revenue impact remained limited. Sales stayed roughly flat at $3.184 billion, hol...