China''s Semiconductor Push: Nikkei Asia Reports 70% Domestic Silicon Wafer Goal by 2026
China aims for 70% self-sufficiency in silicon wafers by 2026, focusing on 12-inch wafers for mature processes. Key player ESWIN is leading a massive capacity expansion to supply both domestic and international semiconductor giants, making local wafers the default choice for new factories.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 5, 2026 at 20:52
- 🔍 Collected: May 5, 2026 at 21:01 (9 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 5, 2026 at 23:41 (2h 39m after Collected)
China aims to source over 70% of the silicon wafers used by domestic chipmakers from local suppliers by the end of 2026, marking an ambitious step in its chip supply chain localization. According to Nikkei Asia, this target has become a tacit mandate for manufacturers to adopt domestically produced 12-inch wafers. While advanced production still relies on international leaders, domestic capacity is now sufficient for mature and legacy processes. Leading firm Xi''an ESWIN Material Technology is aggressively expanding, with new plants in Xi''an and Wuhan expected to increase monthly capacity by 700,000 wafers. ESWIN already supplies global giants like Micron, TSMC, and UMC, while Korean firms Samsung and SK Hynix are currently verifying its products. Other domestic firms such as NSIG and TCL Zhonghuan are also ramping up production to meet the rising demand from major Chinese foundries like SMIC and memory makers like CXMT and YMTC.