Samsung's China sales overtake US; Nvidia not among top five customers

Samsung's 2026 H1 sales to China surpass those in the US, signaling a continued shift in global semiconductor supply chain dynamics. The AI-driven demand for high-bandwidth memory (HBM) has intensified, yet NVIDIA remains outside the top five customers, indicating reduced reliance on Samsung in this segment. Technologically, this shift forces global manufacturers to reconfigure production strategies. From a compliance standpoint, geopolitical tensions elevate supply chain risks, especially in Taiwan, China and Hong Kong, China. Competitors may seek local partnerships or licensing deals to mitigate exposure. In the next 12–24 months, the semiconductor landscape will be defined by a dual structure: technology leadership and policy-driven fragmentation. China’s growing demand will drive upstream material and equipment vendors, while advanced process competition intensifies globally.