Top China chipmaker SMIC says tariff war sparking 'rush orders'

Stockpiling in first half could lead to softer prices later, co-CEO warns

20250212 SMIC

China's largest chipmaker SMIC has seen a rush of orders in the first half of 2025 but warns the industry may face a hangover effect later in the year.  © Getty Images

CHENG TING-FANG and LAULY LI

TAIPEI -- China's top chipmaker says clients are stockpiling inventory and asking to move up delivery of orders scheduled for later in the year due to concerns over U.S. tariffs and broader geopolitical tensions.

Zhao Haijun, co-CEO of Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp., told investors and reporters on Wednesday that his company has seen a rush in orders in the first two quarters of 2025.

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