Glossary
Definition
Semiconductor
Materials or devices used to manufacture integrated circuits (chips).
Semiconductors are materials with electrical conductivity between conductors and insulators. They are the foundation of modern electronics. The semiconductor industry produces microchips used in every digital device, from smartphones to AI servers. NVIDIA, TSMC, Intel, and Samsung are among the world's largest semiconductor companies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are semiconductors so strategically important?
Semiconductors power every modern technology. Countries and companies that control chip design and manufacturing have outsized economic and geopolitical power. The US-China trade restrictions on advanced chip exports reflect their strategic importance.