TSMC's CEO took a pointed jab at a rival's repeated promises to catch up. C.C. Wei mocked Samsung's decade-long ambition that has been renewed three times over 20 years. The comment highlights the wide gap between the two foundry players.
Wei highlights Samsung's repeated ambition
TSMC controls roughly 70% of the global pure-play foundry market. Samsung holds about 7% market share. Wei's remark came during a discussion about the competitive landscape in semiconductor manufacturing.
The rivalry centers on advanced nodes like 2nm, where AI hardware demand is driving investment. TSMC's advanced packaging technology, CoWoS, gives it a key advantage for AI customers. Samsung has struggled to close the gap despite significant investment.
Wei said: "Twenty years ago, our competitor said they would catch up with TSMC in 10 years. Ten years ago, they said they would catch up in another 10 years; and recently, they said yet again that they would catch up in 10 years." The quote underscores the repeated nature of the promise.
The foundry market is dominated by TSMC, with Samsung far behind. AI demand is accelerating investment in cutting-edge nodes and packaging. TSMC's position appears secure for the foreseeable future.
Source: GIZMOCHINA
