AI Demand Lifts Global Foundry Revenue to Record $53.49 Billion
Global foundry sales are being reshaped by a surge in artificial intelligence infrastructure spending, which has tightened capacity for advanced nodes used in high-performance computing processors. The boom is also lifting demand for supporting chips around AI servers. TrendForce said the imbalance is reinforcing Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.’s lead, while Samsung Electronics and Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp. compete for a distant second place in a market increasingly defined by access to leading-edge production.
The world’s 10 largest foundries generated nearly $53.49 billion in the second quarter of 2026, covering April through June, up 11.5% from the prior quarter and setting another record, according to TrendForce. TSMC’s market share climbed to an all-time high of 72.5% as AI server-related lines ran at full utilization. SMIC’s foundry revenue rose about 20% quarter on quarter, narrowing its market-share gap with Samsung and intensifying the contest behind the industry leader.
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The history behind this eventTSMC Could Reach $3 Trillion Valuation as AI Demand Surges
TSMC, the world’s largest contract chipmaker, is a critical manufacturing partner for designers of artificial intelligence processors, including Nvidia and Advanced Micro Devices. A global buildout of AI data centers has increased demand for leading-edge manufacturing and advanced packaging, placing high-performance computing at the center of TSMC’s growth outlook and prompting investors to reassess its long-term earnings and valuation potential.
A recent U.S. media column projected that TSMC could surpass $3 trillion in market value by the end of 2028 if earnings compound at about 14% annually. Under that scenario, the company’s American depositary receipts could rise to $580. High-performance computing now accounts for 66% of TSMC’s revenue, underscoring how AI chips and infrastructure spending have become the main engines supporting its expansion.
TSMC Captures 73% of Foundry Market as AI Chip Demand Surges
Demand for generative AI infrastructure and high-performance computing is driving a wave of orders for advanced semiconductors, lifting revenue across the global foundry industry. TSMC’s technology lead, manufacturing scale and broad customer base have reinforced its dominance, while Samsung Electronics and Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp. remain distant challengers. The widening gap shows how AI investment is concentrating production among companies capable of delivering leading-edge chips at high volume.
TSMC captured 73% of the global foundry market in the second quarter of 2026, retaining the top position as AI chip orders surged and advanced-node capacity remained tight, according to the latest market data. Growth was supported by volume production of its 2-nanometer process and the continued ramp-up of 3-nanometer capacity. Samsung ranked second with a 7% share, while China’s SMIC held third place at 5%.
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