Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation
About
SMIC — Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation — was founded in 2000 in Shanghai by Richard Chang, a veteran of Taiwan's TSMC, with a mission: to build a world-class chip foundry on the Chinese mainland. Two decades later, it is China's largest and most advanced semiconductor manufacturer, the country's best hope for chip self-sufficiency — and the most sanctioned company in the US-China tech war. The company makes chips for fabless customers across China and the world: logic chips for phones and IoT devices, power management chips, display drivers, image sensors, and increasingly advanced processors using its own 14nm and 7nm-class technologies. Its factories in Shanghai, Beijing, Tianjin, and Shenzhen run tens of thousands of wafer starts per month, and its expansion plans — four new fabs announced with state backing — represent China's largest semiconductor investment program. With about 18,000 employees and annual revenue near US$6 billion, SMIC has been blocked by US export controls from buying the most advanced equipment, forcing it to develop alternative processes and extend the life of older technology nodes. For the global chip industry, SMIC is the strategic question: can China's flagship foundry keep advancing without the tools its competitors use — or will sanctions permanently cap its technology ceiling?
Also known as: SMIC
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SMIC?+
SMIC (Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation) is China's largest semiconductor foundry, manufacturing chips for fabless companies worldwide.
Where is SMIC based?+
SMIC is headquartered in Shanghai, China, with fabs in Beijing, Tianjin, Shenzhen and other cities.
When was SMIC founded?+
SMIC was founded in 2000 by Richard Chang (Zhang Rujing) in Shanghai, and listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2004.
What does SMIC manufacture?+
SMIC manufactures integrated circuits on a foundry basis — logic chips, sensors and power chips for consumer electronics, communications and automotive applications.
What does SMIC stand for?+
SMIC stands for Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation. It is China's largest and one of the world's top semiconductor foundries by revenue.
Is SMIC owned by the Chinese government?+
SMIC is a publicly listed company (Hong Kong: 0981; Shanghai STAR Market: 688981). The Chinese government does not directly own a controlling stake, although state-affiliated funds such as the National IC Industry Investment Fund (the 'Big Fund') hold significant minority positions.
Is SMIC a Chinese company?+
Yes. SMIC is a Chinese semiconductor company headquartered in Shanghai. It is China's largest foundry and a key player in the country's semiconductor self-sufficiency strategy.
