Samsung Reclaims Top Spot in Global Semiconductor Chip Rankings

Samsung Electronics has regained its position as the world’s leading semiconductor chip manufacturer in 2024.

According to recent data from market research firm Gartner, the South Korean company generated $66.5 billion in semiconductor chip revenue, which is a market share of 10.5%. This is 62.5% increase compared to the previous year, primarily driven by a resurgence in memory chip prices.

Samsung’s semiconductor portfolio includes various types of memory chips:

• DRAM,
• HBM, and
• NAND, which are used in computing and mobile devices.

• AI accelerator chips,
• Automobiles,
• GPUs,
• Laptops,
• PCs,
• Servers,
• Smartphones, and tablets.

The increasing demand for high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips that are largely fueled by advancements in AI technology, has played a crucial role in Samsung’s recovery.

However, the company faces challenges in qualifying its latest HBM3E chips for use in Nvidia’s flagship AI GPUs due to overheating issues, which it is currently addressing in hopes of obtaining Nvidia’s clearance.

While Samsung’s 8-layer HBM3E chips have been certified for use in Nvidia’s GPUs designed for the Chinese market, the company is concurrently developing HBM4 chips with plans for mass production by the year’s end.

In addition to manufacturing its own chips, Samsung Foundry, the company’s contract chip manufacturing division, produces chips for other brands including Nvidia and Qualcomm.

Despite efforts to improve the yield of its 3nm chips, Samsung has struggled to secure high-profile clients, but it is advancing towards a more advanced 2nm process node expected to be implemented next year.