Zhao Haijun

Zhao Haijun is the co-Chief Executive Officer of Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC), China's largest contract chipmaker. He is currently newsworthy due to his statements regarding the significant impact of the global AI boom on the semiconductor industry. According to Zhao, the surge in AI demand has directly led to a shortage in mature-node semiconductors, such as power-management chips. This situation is causing a capacity crunch, as overseas chip manufacturers are prioritizing production of high-margin AI chips and high-bandwidth memory. Consequently, orders are being redirected to Chinese foundries like SMIC. SMIC is actively considering expanding its factory capacity to meet this unexpected increase in demand for mature-node chips, which are essential components used alongside AI processors. Zhao's insights underscore the current relevance of mature-node chip production and its critical role in supporting the broader AI ecosystem.