China's Chip Exports Surpass 1.2 Trillion RMB in First Half, Overtaking Cars as Top Export

According to the latest data from China's customs authorities, China's import and export trade structure underwent a significant qualitative shift in the first half of 2026. Integrated circuits (chips) have officially surpassed automobiles and mobile phones to become China's highest-value export category.

Data shows that chip exports in the first half of 2026 totaled $177.28 billion (approximately 1.2 trillion RMB), a year-on-year increase of 96.1%, setting a new historical high.

AI Boom and Memory Price Hikes as Core Drivers

The primary driver behind this export surge is the global boom in artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure, which has directly fueled demand for related semiconductors. Memory chips have been the main export driver, accounting for approximately 60% to 70% of total export value in the first half. Driven by AI demand for high-bandwidth memory (HBM), prices for DRAM and NAND flash memory have continued to rise, causing export value growth to far outpace volume growth.

In terms of market landscape, in addition to Samsung (Xi'an plant) and SK Hynix (Wuxi plant), which contribute significant exports from their China-based factories, domestic Chinese firms are also showing strong momentum. CXMT (ChangXin Memory Technologies) has captured an 8% global market share in DRAM, rising to fourth place worldwide. YMTC (Yangtze Memory Technologies) holds a 13% share in the NAND flash memory market, ranking fourth globally alongside Micron and SanDisk.

Explosion in Mature-Node Foundry and OSAT Demand

In the foundry sector, as TSMC and Samsung shift capacity toward advanced AI processes, global demand for mature-node manufacturing has surged toward SMIC (currently the world's third-largest foundry) and Hua Hong Semiconductor.

Additionally, China holds a key position in the packaging and testing (OSAT) market. JCET (world's third-largest), Tongfu Microelectronics, and Hua Tian Technology are accelerating deployment of advanced packaging, further increasing the export value of processed chips.

Breaking Blockades and Achieving Self-Reliant Breakthroughs

In June 2026 alone, chip exports reached $38.21 billion, accounting for nearly 10% of total exports, firmly establishing chips as the top export category.

Chinese media analysis indicates that this achievement demonstrates how overseas technological restrictions have paradoxically accelerated China's semiconductor industry toward self-reliance. As China's domestic production ratio increases, the long-standing label of being 'dependent on others' is gradually fading.