[Semiconductor] "Top 3 Global Foundries: TSMC vs. Samsung Foundry vs. Intel Foundry Services(IFS)"

 


[Posting: April 21, 2025]

We aim to compare the top three global semiconductor foundries. For those working in the semiconductor industry, this summary outlines what each company is currently focused on.

TSMC, holding over 60% of the foundry market share, remains the true dominant player. Since its 130nm development in 2003, it has built unrivaled technological strength. With the slogan "We don't compete with our customers," TSMC has maintained a fabless customer-centric strategy, achieving a market share that is likely to remain strong for years to come.

Samsung Foundry, in second place, could potentially increase its market share if it secures higher yields and more customers in advanced nodes. However, unlike its competitors that receive state subsidies, Samsung seems to be fighting a lone survival battle.

Intel Foundry Services (IFS), backed by strong U.S. government support, is attempting aggressive R&D in advanced nodes but must overcome significant hurdles in securing production yields. This comparison is based on each company's current infrastructure and technological capabilities.

🌎 2025 Global Foundry Big 3 Comparison: TSMC vs Samsung Foundry vs Intel Foundry Services

Keywords: TSMC vs Samsung Foundry vs Intel Foundry, 2025 Foundry Market Share, Foundry Technology Comparison, Global Semiconductor FAB Status, Intel 18A, Samsung SF2, TSMC N2

🔍 Overview: The Big 3 Leading the Semiconductor Industry in 2025

  • TSMC: The world’s largest pure-play foundry.

  • Samsung Foundry: Maintaining second place through expansion from IDM to foundry.

  • Intel Foundry Services (IFS): Rapid growth based on U.S. and Western supply chains.

📊 1. Market Share & Business Structure

CategoryTSMCSamsung FoundryIntel Foundry Services (IFS)
HeadquartersTaiwanSouth KoreaUSA
Founded19872005 (spun off)2021
Business TypePure-play foundryFoundry from IDMIDM expanding into foundry
Market Share (2025)~66%~13–15%<2% (growing)

⚙️ 2. Process Node & Technology Comparison

CategoryTSMCSamsung FoundryIntel Foundry Services (IFS)
Main Process NodeN3E / N2 (2nm upcoming)SF4 / SF3 / SF2 (2nm)Intel 20A / 18A
GAA TransistorApplied from N2MBCFET from SF3RibbonFET from 20A
Backside Power DeliveryPlanned post-N2Under developmentPowerVia from 18A
Mass Production Timeline3nm (2023), 2nm (2025 est.)3nm (2023), 2nm (2025 est.)18A (H1 2025 planned)

✅ Intel aims to lead in technology with the first process combining GAA + backside power delivery in 18A.

🤝 3. Major Clients

CompanyKey Clients
TSMCApple, NVIDIA, AMD, Qualcomm, MediaTek, etc.
Samsung FoundryQualcomm, Google, Tesla, etc.
Intel IFSAWS, OpenAI, ARM, Qualcomm, U.S. DoD, SiFive, etc.

🔎 IFS is aggressively targeting high-value sectors like AI, cloud, and defense.

🏭 4. Global FAB Locations & CAPA

🏆 TSMC

  • Annual Capacity: ~18 million wafers (12-inch equivalent)

  • FAB Locations:

    • Taiwan (Hsinchu, Tainan, Kaohsiung)

    • USA (Arizona – 3 fabs under construction)

    • Japan (Kumamoto FAB with Sony)

    • Germany (Dresden FAB planned)

🏆 Samsung Foundry

  • Expansion Plan: Triple capacity by 2026

  • FAB Locations:

    • South Korea (Giheung, Hwaseong, Pyeongtaek)

    • USA (Texas Taylor – operational by 2025)

🏆 Intel Foundry Services

  • Focus Nodes: Intel 18A (2nm-class), Intel 20A

  • FAB Locations:

    • USA (Arizona: FAB 42, 52/62 / Ohio: 8 fabs planned)

    • Ireland (FAB 34 under construction)

    • Germany (Magdeburg FAB planned, EU Chips Act beneficiary)

📈 5. Strategic Positioning & Summary of Strengths

Strategic AreaTSMCSamsung FoundryIntel Foundry Services
Growth StrategyYield stability + Global CAPACustomer expansion + yield improvementU.S./EU supply chain reshaping
Customer FocusHigh-end focus (Apple, etc.)Diverse customer baseAI, cloud, and defense sector targeting
Next-Gen Tech2nm, backside power, CoWoS, InFOMBCFET, HBM-PIM, SF2RibbonFET, PowerVia, UCIe
Government SupportSome Taiwan supportTexas & Korean government subsidiesCHIPS Act + EU funding

🧾 Conclusion: Foundry Market Dynamics in 2025

  • TSMC continues to dominate in technology, clientele, and production volume.

  • Samsung Foundry has potential to close the gap if it achieves stable 2nm yields and expands its global clientele.

  • Intel Foundry Services (IFS) is growing fast with a supply chain centered on the U.S. and Europe, aiming to reach the No. 2 market share by 2027, leveraging its AI and defense sector customer base.

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