Semiconductor & Other Electronic Component Manufacturing Industry Profile

Companies in this industry make semiconductors (computer chips) and other components used in electronic devices. Major companies include Broadcom, Intel, Micron Technology, and Qualcomm (all based in the US), along with Samsung Electronics and SK hynix (both of South Korea), Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (Taiwan), and Toshiba (Japan).

Global semiconductor sales total nearly $470 billion a year, according to World Semiconductor Trade Statistics. The Asia/Pacific region accounts for about 60% of semiconductor sales, followed by the Americas (20%), Japan (10%), and Europe (10%).

The US semiconductor and electronic component manufacturing industry consists of about 3,900 establishments (single-location companies and units of multi-location companies) with combined annual revenue of about $97 billion.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

The industry depends highly on demand from the computer industry and makers of telecommunications products such as cell phones, which can vary sharply from year to year. Companies can be successful producing standard parts at low cost or by producing highly specialized components. Small companies can compete effectively with large ones by producing specialized products or developing new applications. Technological expertise is extremely important. The US industry is concentrated: the 50 largest companies generate about 60% of revenue.

US makers of semiconductors and other electronic components face competition from producers in other countries; at the same time, many US producers enjoy strong international sales. About 65% of US production is exported; imports make up about 75% of the US market. The ...