CES 2025 attracted many exhibitors with its status as a global technology vane, and China's semiconductor industry was particularly eye-catching at this exhibition. As an important player in the global supply chain, Chinese companies have demonstrated the strength of the entire industry chain from chip design to manufacturing. However, in the dual context of globalization and technological blockade, the road of Chinese semiconductor companies to "go global" is full of opportunities and challenges. China Exportsemi will analyze this phenomenon and the logic behind it from multiple angles.
Highlights and achievements of China Semiconductor at CES 2025
The scale of the exhibition is record-breaking
More than 1,300 Chinese companies will participate in CES 2025, accounting for about 30% of the total number of exhibitors. Among them, semiconductor-related companies occupy an important position, covering chip design, manufacturing equipment, material supply and other fields.
1. Data: According to the organizers, the number of Chinese exhibitors increased by 18% compared to 2024, reflecting the continued expansion of the industry.
Technical Highlights
1. AI and edge computing chips: Many companies have launched a new generation of high-performance AI chips. For example, a Shenzhen-based company showcased its low-power edge computing chips for smart homes, attracting orders from North American customers.
2. Chips for new energy vehicles: Automotive-grade chips released by BYD's semiconductor company support more efficient battery management and powertrain optimization, and have the ability to compete with international giants.
3. Power semiconductors: A company in Suzhou showcased silicon carbide (SiC)-based power devices for charging piles and photovoltaic inverters.
Figure: China's Semiconductor Industry Going Global: CES 2025 (picture from the Internet)
The embodiment of global layout
In addition to the technology demonstration, a number of Chinese companies announced overseas cooperation plans at the exhibition. For example, a chip design company announced that it would set up an R&D center in Malaysia to serve as a technical support base for its Southeast Asian market.
Second, the opportunities and competitiveness of China's semiconductors "going global".
The support of technological innovation
China's innovations in AI chips, power semiconductors, and smart sensors are closing the gap with international giants. Data shows that in 2024, the revenue of China's chip design industry will increase by 22% year-on-year, and R&D investment will hit a record high.
Driven by global demand
1. New energy and intelligent trends: The rapid growth of the global new energy vehicle and Internet of Things markets provides a broad space for Chinese chip companies. According to IDC's forecast, global IoT device shipments will exceed 15 billion units in 2025, which creates a large demand for edge computing chips.
2. Low-cost advantage: Compared with European and American enterprises, Chinese enterprises have obvious advantages in production costs and supply chain efficiency, and can quickly respond to market demand.
Policy and financial support
In recent years, the Chinese government has promoted semiconductor autonomy through a series of policies, including the establishment of a US$47 billion national semiconductor fund and the acceleration of the localization of EDA tools, which have provided strong support for enterprises to "go global".
Challenges in the process of "going global".
1. Technological blockade and trade barriers
The U.S. government's restrictions on the export of key technologies and equipment have made Chinese companies face development bottlenecks in high-end fields. For example, the ban on the sale of extreme ultraviolet lithography machines has directly affected the manufacturing of advanced process chips.
2. Intensified international competition
1. South Korea's Samsung and SK hynix dominate the memory chip space, while Europe's Infineon and the Netherlands' ASML have clear advantages in power semiconductor and device manufacturing.
2. In emerging markets such as Southeast Asia, Chinese companies need to compete with Japan, South Korea and local companies for customer resources and market share.
Cultural and brand perception issues
Despite the continuous improvement of technical strength, the brand influence of Chinese semiconductor companies in overseas markets still needs to be strengthened. How to break the stereotype that "Made in China equals low-end products" is an important step to achieve high-end.
Fourth, the future outlook of China's semiconductors: path and strategy
Technological breakthrough and autonomy
1. Accelerate the research and development of high-end chip technology, such as 3nm and below process technology.
2. Achieve breakthroughs in the field of core equipment such as EDA tools and lithography machines, and reduce dependence on overseas technology.
Diversified market layout
1. Expand into emerging markets such as South America, the Middle East and Africa, and reduce dependence on a single market such as Southeast Asia or North America.
2. Strengthen cooperation with local enterprises to achieve a win-win situation through technology output and joint research and development.
3. Enhance the international image of the brand
Enhance the global recognition of the brand by participating in international exhibitions, sponsoring technical forums and strengthening public relations. For example, a Chinese chip company has attracted the attention of local high-end customers by sponsoring top academic conferences in Europe.
4. Global synergy and cooperation
1. Strengthen cooperation with international technology companies and research institutions, and accelerate its own development through technology transfer and knowledge sharing.
2. Through mergers and acquisitions of overseas companies or the establishment of R&D centers, it is integrated into the international supply chain.
Conclusion: Observation and Reflection
CES 2025 shows the huge potential of Chinese semiconductor companies in technological innovation and global layout, but also reveals the difficulties that need to be overcome in the process of "going global". China Exportsemi believes that in the context of the rapid reshaping of the global semiconductor industry pattern, Chinese enterprises need to balance the relationship between technological autonomy and international cooperation. Only by continuously innovating, strengthening the internationalization strategy, and improving the adaptability of the global market can China's semiconductor industry chain leap from a global participant to a leader.
