Key Takeaways
- The U.S. semiconductor industry is growing rapidly due to its importance in AI, quantum computing, gaming GPUs, and national security.
- A host of American Semiconductor companies are at the forefront of producing chips for computing, telecommunications, automotive, defense, and renewable energy applications.
- Modern technology, from computers and smartphones to AI, autonomous vehicles, and quantum computing, is powered by semiconductors.
- The CHIPS for America Act, signed in 2022, provides $50 billion in incentives to strengthen domestic chip production and research.
The semiconductor industry has become a key battleground in global trade and national security, with artificial intelligence, quantum computing, gaming GPUs, and mining hardware all driving demand for advanced chips. While Taiwan remains the epicenter of the idustry, President Trump has promised seismic changes that would see American semiconductor companies become global leaders in the space once again.
The US chip manufacturing sector has grown significantly in recent years and is expected to reach over $96 billion in revenue in 2025 – but do you know who’s leading the charge? In this article, we’ll explore eight of the biggest semiconductor companies in the United States.
8 American Semiconductor Companies
| Company | Ticker | CEO | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intel Corporation | INTC | Patrick Gelsinger | Hillsboro, Oregon |
| L3Harris Technologies | LHX | Christopher E. Kubasik | Greenville, Texas |
| Enphase Energy | ENPH | Badri Kothandaraman | Fremont, California |
| QUALCOMM | QCOM | Cristiano Amon | San Diego, California |
| Amkor Technology | AMKR | Giel Rutten | Tempe, Arizona |
| NXP Semiconductors | NXPI | Kurt Sievers | Austin, Texas |
| GlobalFoundries | GFS | Thomas Caulfield | Hopewell Junction, New York |
| Samsung Austin Semiconductor | KRX: 005930 | Sang-Pil Sim | Austin, Texas |
Intel Corporation (INTC)
- CEO: Patrick Gelsinger
- Founded: 1968
Intel Corporation is a publicly traded American semiconductor giant and a leader in processor manufacturing, data center solutions, and AI-driven computing technologies. Founded in 1968 by Robert Noyce and Gordon Moore, Intel has been at the forefront of chip innovation. From producing processors that power personal computers to servers, and enterprise systems worldwide.
One of Intel’s most significant facilities is located in Hillsboro, Oregon, home to the Gordon Moore Park at Ronler Acres, a key research and development hub. This site is one of Intel’s most advanced R&D and semiconductor manufacturing centers, specializing in developing next-generation process nodes, wafer fabrication, and chip testing technologies.
Hillsboro is a cornerstone of Intel’s U.S. manufacturing and R&D strategy, playing a pivotal role in the company’s focus on AI-driven computing, advanced node development, and high-performance semiconductor solutions. Under the leadership of CEO Patrick Gelsinger, who returned to Intel in 2021, the company is undergoing a major transformation, including expanding domestic chip production and strengthening Intel Foundry Services (IFS).
L3Harris Technologies (LHX)
- CEO: Christopher E. Kubasik
- Founded: 2019
L3Harris Technologies is an American defense contractor specializing in semiconductors for aerospace and military use, surveillance, and secure communication systems. The company was established in 2019 through the merger of L3 Technologies and Harris Corporation, therefore creating one of the largest defense firms in the U.S. As a result, with a strong focus on military technology, L3Harris provides cutting-edge solutions for intelligence gathering, advanced surveillance, and space-based defense systems.
The ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) Systems division, located in Greenville, Texas, plays a crucial role in national security operations. This facility specializes in developing and enhancing high-tech surveillance aircraft, electronic warfare systems, and secure communication networks. Furthermore, L3Harris is a major contractor for the U.S. Department of Defense, supplying sensor systems, mission-critical avionics, and cyber defense solutions to ensure military dominance in complex environments.
Lastly, under CEO Christopher E. Kubasik, L3Harris continues to push the boundaries of defense innovation, investing in AI-driven warfare systems, cybersecurity solutions, and space-based ISR technologies.
Enphase Energy (ENPH)
- CEO: Badri Kothandaraman
- Founded: 2006
Enphase Energy, Inc. is a leading American semiconductor manufacturer specializing in solar microinverters, energy management chips, and battery storage solutions. Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Fremont, California, Enphase transformed the solar power industry. The company pioneered semiconductor-based microinverter technology that enhances the efficiency and reliability of solar energy systems.
Unlike traditional string inverters, Enphase microinverters integrate advanced semiconductor components to optimize energy conversion at the panel level, ensuring maximum energy yield and real-time monitoring. Furthermore, these semiconductor-driven systems improve system longevity, enhance safety, and enable seamless integration with smart grid technology.
With Badri Kothandaraman as CEO, Enphase has expanded its semiconductor-driven portfolio to include power-efficient microcontrollers, energy storage chips, and advanced grid-interactive solutions. The company’s IQ Battery series and smart energy monitoring platforms leverage high-performance silicon-based chips, allowing homeowners and businesses to efficiently store, manage, and distribute solar power.
QUALCOMM (QCOM)
- CEO: Cristiano Amon
- Founded: 1985
QUALCOMM Incorporated is a publicly traded American semiconductor and telecommunications company known for its leadership in mobile technology, wireless communications, and 5G infrastructure. Founded in 1985 by Irwin Jacobs and Andrew Viterbi, the company has played a major role in shaping the smartphone industry, developing cutting-edge processors and modem technologies that power billions of mobile devices worldwide.
Headquartered in San Diego, California, QUALCOMM’s Snapdragon processors are widely used in smartphones, tablets, laptops, and IoT devices, making the company a key player in the global semiconductor ecosystem. Equally important, QUALCOMM is a leader in 5G infrastructure and connectivity solutions, driving advancements in autonomous vehicles, smart cities, AI-powered computing, and edge processing.
In addition, the company continues to expand into AI-enhanced chipsets, extended reality (XR), and automotive semiconductors. Cristiano Amon took over as CEO in 2021, strengthening the company’s global semiconductor and telecommunications footprint. Finally, with increasing demand for 5G devices and networks, the company is investing in wireless innovation. For example, AI chip solutions, and next-generation computing.
Amkor Technology (AMKR)
- CEO: Giel Rutten
- Founded: 1968
Amkor Technology is a global leader in semiconductor packaging and testing services. Founded in 1968, Amkor has advanced chip packaging technologies, enabling higher performance, reliability, and efficiency in modern semiconductor devices. Unlike traditional chip manufacturers, which focus on fabricating silicon wafers, Amkor specializes in the assembly, packaging, and rigorous testing of semiconductor components before they are integrated into consumer and industrial products.
The company’s Tempe, Arizona facility serves as one of its primary U.S. operational sites. Amkor’s expertise in advanced packaging solutions is essential for various industries, including consumer electronics, automotive systems, industrial automation, and telecommunications. Its chip-scale packaging (CSP), wafer-level packaging (WLP), and 3D stacking technologies are widely used in smartphones, automotive electronics, and high-performance computing devices.
Amkor is investing in new packaging techniques, automation, and AI-driven quality control to support the evolving needs of chip manufacturers and electronic device makers.
NXP Semiconductors USA (NXPI)
- CEO: Kurt Sievers
- Founded: 2006
NXP Semiconductors is a publicly traded semiconductor company that specializes in automotive, industrial, and IoT (Internet of Things) solutions. Originally founded as part of Philips in 1953, NXP became an independent company in 2006. Then, it established itself as a global leader in secure connectivity and embedded processing technologies.
The company’s Austin, Texas facility is one of its major U.S. operations, focusing on manufacturing semiconductors that power automotive electronics, industrial automation, smart cities, and connected devices. At the same time, NXP is a leading provider of microcontrollers (MCUs), processors, and sensors, which are critical for autonomous vehicles, secure payment systems, and industrial-grade computing.
In the automotive industry, NXP supplies advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication chips, and electric vehicle power management solutions. The company also plays a vital role in IoT infrastructure, providing low-power, secure connectivity solutions for smart home devices, medical electronics, and industrial robotics.
GlobalFoundries (GFS)
- CEO: Thomas Caulfield
- Founded: 2009
GlobalFoundries is a semiconductor foundry that provides manufacturing services to semiconductor companies worldwide. Unlike integrated device manufacturers (IDMs) like Intel, which design and produce their chips, GlobalFoundries specializes solely in chip fabrication. This includes producing semiconductors for various industries, such as automotive, mobile, data centers, and wireless communication.
Founded in 2009 after being spun off from Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), GlobalFoundries is one of the largest American semiconductor companies, and also ranks among the largest foundries globally. The company operates several fabrication plants, including a major facility in Hopewell Junction, New York. This site plays a critical role in advanced semiconductor manufacturing. Furthermore, it focuses on feature-rich chips that power 5G networks, AI-driven devices, and automotive safety systems.
GlobalFoundries specializes in semiconductor process technologies, which optimize performance, power efficiency, and scalability for various applications. The company has prioritized automotive-grade chips, thus helping enable the shift toward electric and autonomous vehicles. In addition, it supplies custom RF (radio frequency) chips for mobile and satellite communications, supporting next-generation connectivity solutions.
With increased government backing, including funding from the CHIPS for America Act, the company is scaling its operations to meet growing global demand.
Samsung Austin Semiconductor (KRX: 005930)
- CEO: Sang-Pil Sim
- Founded: 1996
Samsung Austin Semiconductor is a subsidiary of Samsung Electronics. It operates one of the largest semiconductor fabrication facilities in the United States. Established in 1996, the Austin, Texas facility has become a vital part of Samsung’s global chip manufacturing network.
The site focuses on manufacturing high-tech semiconductor components for smartphones, data centers, IoT devices, and consumer electronics. The facility produces system-on-chip (SoC) designs, high-performance computing processors, and custom silicon solutions. These power Samsung’s Galaxy devices, as well as products from other major technology companies.
Over the years, Samsung Austin Semiconductor has expanded significantly, investing billions of dollars in cutting-edge semiconductor fabrication technologies. The company has been at the forefront of advancing EUV (Extreme Ultraviolet) lithography, a crucial technology for producing smaller, faster, and more energy-efficient chips.
In addition to the Austin site, Samsung is investing over $17 billion in a new semiconductor mega-fab in Taylor, Texas, further solidifying its commitment to American chip production.
What Are Semiconductors?
Semiconductors are materials that have electrical conductivity between a conductor and an insulator. They are the foundation of modern electronics, allowing devices to process information, store data, and manage power efficiently. The most common semiconductor material is silicon, used in computer chips, transistors, and integrated circuits.
Where Are Semiconductors Used?
Semiconductors are the backbone of modern technology, powering a vast range of electronic devices and systems. Here’s a detailed breakdown of their key applications:
- Computing: Semiconductors drive everything from personal computers to supercomputers. Processors (CPUs), graphics cards (GPUs), and memory chips (RAM and SSDs) are essential for running software, storing data, and processing complex calculations. Cloud computing, data centers, and AI training models rely heavily on these chips to handle massive workloads.
- Automotive: Modern vehicles have semiconductors that control engine performance, safety features, and entertainment systems. ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems) depend on semiconductors for lane detection, collision avoidance, and autonomous driving.
- Telecommunications: The 5G revolution is powered by semiconductors that enhance network speed, reliability, and efficiency. Smartphones, mobile networks, satellites, and fiber-optic communication systems rely on high-performance semiconductor chips.
- Consumer Electronics: Everything from smartphones, gaming consoles, and smart TVs to home assistants and wearable devices operates on semiconductor technology.
- Artificial Intelligence: AI-powered devices and applications require specialized AI accelerators, neural processing units, and tensor processing units. As a result, these advanced semiconductors speed up machine learning, natural language processing, and deep learning tasks.
- Quantum Computing: Unlike classical computers, which rely on traditional silicon chips, quantum computers use specialized superconducting chips to perform calculations at speeds unattainable by conventional processors.
What is the CHIPS for America Act?
The CHIPS for America Act is a federal initiative aimed at boosting domestic semiconductor production. In other words, the act provides $50 billion in subsidies and incentives to encourage U.S.-based chip manufacturers to expand production. The goal is to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers, particularly in China and Taiwan, and ensure a stable supply of semiconductors for national security and economic growth.
Some of the key aspects of the CHIPS Act include the following:
- Incentives for U.S. Semiconductor Manufacturing: Companies receive funding to build new fabs and upgrade existing facilities.
- Support for Research and Development: Investments in next-generation semiconductor technology.
- Workforce Development: Programs to train engineers and technicians for the growing semiconductor industry.
Closing Thoughts
The U.S. semiconductor industry is critical to global technology, powering everything from AI systems to electric vehicles. With government support through the CHIPS for America Act, US-based chip manufacturers are expanding their capabilities to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers.
With companies like Intel and GlobalFoundries leading the charge in domestic semiconductor production, America remains a key player in the global chip industry. Whether you’re looking for trading alpha or simply want to understand how key industries are shaping ur future, it’s worth watching this space and staying familiar with the central players.
