2025 proved to be a landmark year for the US semiconductor market, facing numerous challenges and changes from export controls to corporate transformations.
AI Chip Export Controls
At the start of 2025, AI chip export controls took center stage. Former President Joe Biden proposed a new three-tier structure for exports, which activated debates about how to control the sale of American chips abroad. In April, Anthropic co-founder Dario Amodei voiced support for existing restrictions and called for tightening rules for Tier 2 countries. Major players like Nvidia, however, were not in favor of such measures and actively raised issues about innovation.
Intel's Strategic Overhaul
The year 2025 saw a significant transformation at Intel, led by new CEO Lip-Bu Tan. He is planning a comprehensive business optimization, including the sale of non-core assets and significant staff layoffs. Important strategic appointments and the establishment of a new chip plant also formed part of the company's strategy, although they faced challenges and delays.
Nvidia's Dominance and Global Supply Chain
Nvidia continued to hold a leading position in the market despite export restrictions, reporting record revenue growth in its data center segment. By June, the company revised its forecasts by excluding the Chinese market from future profit estimates. However, it successfully negotiated the sale of certain AI chips in China, which highlighted its adaptability to changing conditions.
The year 2025 marked a period of change for the US semiconductor market, where geopolitical factors and internal corporate strategies significantly influenced the development and dynamics of the sector.
