Semiconductor & Other Electronic Component Manufacturing Industry Overview

Excerpt from Semiconductor & Other Electronic Component Manufacturing Report

Companies in this industry make semiconductors (computer chips) and other components used in electronic devices. Major US companies include Intel, Samsung Electronics America, Qualcomm, and Texas Instruments. Top international manufacturers include Samsung Electronics of South Korea, Sharp Corporation of Japan, and Flextronics International of Singapore.

Competitive Landscape

The industry depends highly on demand from the computer industry and makers of telecommunications products such as cell phones, which can vary sharply from year to year. Companies can be successful producing standard parts at low cost or by producing highly specialized components. Small companies can compete effectively with large ones by producing specialized products or developing new applications. Technological expertise is extremely important. The industry is highly concentrated: the 50 largest companies generate about 65 percent of revenue.

Products, Operations & Technology

Major products include semiconductors (computer chips), which account for about 60 percent of industry revenue; printed circuit assembly (20 percent); and various components such as electron tubes and electronic connectors.