global chip market
|

Global chip market set to cross $1 trillion as AI demand surges

The global semiconductor industry is on track to surpass $1 trillion in annual revenue in 2026, driven largely by the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence infrastructure.

AI-related chips are reshaping the semiconductor business. Although advanced AI processors represent only a tiny share of total chip shipments, they are expected to generate almost half of the industry’s overall revenue this year.

The surge reflects the enormous investment being made in AI data centres around the world. The five largest global technology hyperscalers have allocated more than $600 billion to AI data-centre infrastructure in 2026.

The growing demand is also increasing the importance of advanced chip manufacturing. Producing a sophisticated 3-nanometre processor can take around six months, highlighting the complexity and limited capacity of the global supply chain.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) remains central to the production of the world’s most advanced processors. The company manufactures an estimated 90% of the most sophisticated chips, making it a critical supplier for the rapidly expanding AI industry.

This concentration has also raised concerns about supply-chain vulnerability. Any major disruption to advanced chip production could affect technology companies, AI developers and governments that are investing heavily in artificial intelligence.

Nvidia has emerged as one of the biggest beneficiaries of the AI boom. The company reported revenue of $215.9 billion, strengthening its position as a leading supplier of processors used to train and operate advanced AI models.

The chip industry’s challenges extend beyond processors. High-bandwidth memory (HBM), which is essential for AI computing, has become another major supply constraint.

Much of the available HBM production capacity is already committed through 2026. The global memory market is also expected to generate substantial revenue, with estimates putting fiscal 2026 revenue at around $594.7 billion.

The figures underline how quickly AI is transforming the global semiconductor industry. Demand is shifting toward fewer but far more valuable advanced chips, while manufacturers face pressure to expand capacity and secure critical components.

As AI investment continues to grow, semiconductor production is increasingly becoming a strategic issue for technology companies and governments. The ability to manufacture advanced processors and memory at scale could determine how quickly the next phase of AI development progresses.

Similar Posts

  • |

    Will Scharf named Trump’s new White House counsel

    US President Donald Trump has appointed Will Scharf as the next White House counsel and assistant to the president. Scharf, who currently serves as White House staff secretary, will take over the legal post on September 1, 2026. He will replace David Warrington, who is set to leave the administration and enter the private sector. Scharf is a lawyer and political adviser with close ties to Trump. Before joining the White House, he represented Trump in several major legal matters. He was also involved in the presidential immunity case that reached the US Supreme Court. Scharf previously worked as a federal prosecutor. He also served as a law clerk for federal appeals court judges, giving him experience in both government and federal litigation. His new position will place him at the centre of the Trump administration’s legal strategy. As White House counsel, Scharf will advise the president on legal issues and oversee matters involving executive privilege, judicial appointments and relations with the Justice Department. He will also be involved in responding to legal challenges facing the administration. The position is considered particularly important as Trump prepares for growing political and legal pressure ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Scharf joined Trump’s legal team in 2023. He worked on the federal election interference case brought by former Special Counsel Jack Smith. His involvement continued as the case reached the Supreme Court. In 2024, the Supreme Court ruled that presidents have broad immunity from criminal prosecution for official acts. The decision became a major development in the legal battles surrounding Trump. After Trump returned to the White House in January 2025, Scharf was appointed staff secretary. In that role, he managed documents and other materials sent to the president for review. He also frequently appeared with Trump during executive-order signing ceremonies. Scharf has also chaired the National Capital Planning Commission. During his tenure, he was involved in the approval process for Trump’s proposed White House ballroom project, which has faced controversy and scrutiny. His appointment comes at a politically sensitive time for the administration. The White House is dealing with legal and political challenges while preparing for increased congressional scrutiny before the midterm elections. Trump praised Scharf after announcing the appointment. He described him as “tough, strong, and smart” and highlighted his experience as a federal prosecutor and his work on Trump’s legal cases.

  • | |

    JI seeks Rs1 billion damages from former FBR chief

    KARACHI: Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) has served a legal notice on former Federal Board of Revenue chairman Shabbar Zaidi. The party is seeking Rs1 billion in damages over remarks it says harmed its reputation. The notice relates to allegations made by Zaidi about the political party and its role in public protests. JI said the former FBR chief made the remarks during a podcast and later repeated them on different social media platforms. According to the party, the notice was issued on July 27 through Advocate Tahir Iqbal Malik. It was sent on the instructions of JI Karachi General Secretary Taufiquddin Siddiqui. JI has accused Zaidi of making serious and damaging claims. The party says the allegations suggested that it had received money to weaken or suppress public protests and political issues. The party also objected to comments in which Zaidi allegedly described JI as an “establishment firewall”. According to JI, the remarks created an impression that the party was working to dilute public concerns and protests. The legal notice claims that the statements included allegations of secret funding, bribery, corruption and political misconduct. It also alleges that the remarks suggested coordination between the party and state institutions. JI has demanded that Zaidi provide evidence to support his claims. The party has asked him to identify the person who allegedly made the payment and the individual who supposedly received it. The notice also seeks details about the alleged amount, including when and where the payment was made. JI has asked for information about the method of payment and any bank records or financial documents linked to the allegation. The party has further demanded evidence concerning the alleged protest or public issue. It has asked for the names of witnesses and any documents, recordings or other material that could support the claims. JI also wants Zaidi to disclose the source of the information on which his allegations were based. The party has said the claims should be backed by verifiable evidence. When approached for a response, Zaidi said he had forwarded the legal notice to his lawyer. He said he would seek legal advice on the matter. The dispute could now move into a legal phase if the former FBR chairman does not respond to the notice in the manner demanded by the party.

  • |

    Kendall Jenner, Jacob Elordi’s latest outing fuels split rumors

    Kendall Jenner and Jacob Elordi’s relationship has become the subject of fresh speculation after the pair were spotted together at a recent Chris Stapleton concert, with their public appearance prompting renewed discussion about their romance. The couple, who have been linked since earlier this year, attended the concert while keeping a relatively low profile. Both opted for casual white T-shirts and stayed near the side of the stage, avoiding unnecessary attention as they enjoyed the event together. Despite their relaxed appearance, a body language expert suggested that the couple’s interactions reflected a noticeable shift in their relationship dynamic. According to the analysis, Jenner appeared less confident than in previous public outings, while Elordi seemed calm and at ease throughout the evening. The expert observed that Jenner’s gestures were more animated and expressive, describing them as attempts to seek attention or reassurance. In contrast, Elordi reportedly displayed a composed and comfortable demeanor, leading to speculation that the balance in their relationship may have changed. Particular attention was drawn to Jenner’s posture during the concert. The expert noted that the model was seen sitting with her legs crossed while holding her ankle, interpreting the pose as a sign of vulnerability or a desire for reassurance. The analysis suggested that adults sometimes adopt childlike body language when they feel emotionally threatened or uncertain, although such interpretations remain subjective and cannot confirm a person’s actual emotions. Another moment highlighted by the expert involved Jenner gesturing toward something while extending her arm across Elordi’s body. This movement was interpreted as a possible sign of protectiveness or a desire to keep her partner close. The expert argued that the interaction reflected a different dynamic from the couple’s earlier public appearances. Based on these observations, the body language specialist suggested that Elordi appeared to hold a more confident position within the relationship, while Jenner seemed to be seeking greater emotional reassurance. However, body language analysis is based on interpretation rather than confirmed fact, and it cannot accurately determine the true state of a relationship. Neither Jenner nor Elordi has publicly addressed the speculation surrounding their romance, and there has been no indication from either of them that their relationship is experiencing difficulties. The couple has generally chosen to keep their personal lives private and has rarely commented on media reports about their relationship. Jenner, one of the world’s most recognizable fashion models and television personalities, has often maintained a low-key approach to dating despite intense public interest in her personal life. Elordi, meanwhile, continues to focus on his acting career, with several high-profile film projects attracting attention in recent months. The pair first sparked romance rumors earlier this year after reportedly meeting through mutual friends, including Justin and Hailey Bieber. Since then, they have been photographed together on several occasions, fueling ongoing interest from fans and entertainment media. While recent body language interpretations have led to renewed breakup speculation, there is currently no official confirmation that Kendall Jenner and Jacob Elordi are facing problems in their relationship. For now, reports about the couple’s status remain based largely on public appearances and expert opinion rather than statements from the pair themselves.

  • | |

    Supreme Court upholds death sentence in woman’s …

    The Supreme Court has issued a landmark ruling concerning women’s rights, declaring that a woman’s right to seek khula (judicial divorce) is a constitutional right and that violence against a woman exercising this right amounts to an attack on the Constitution. A three-member bench of the Supreme Court dismissed the jail petition filed by convict Waseem Abbas and upheld his death sentence. Justice Muhammad Hashim Khan Kakar authored the four-page detailed judgment. According to the judgment, women are fully protected under Articles 9, 14 and 25 of the Constitution, which guarantee their security, dignity and equal rights. The court said that anyone who uses violence against a woman seeking khula would face the full force of the law. It observed that killing a woman for exercising her legal right is an act of brutality and open defiance of the law. The Supreme Court further ruled that a convict involved in a cold-blooded and planned murder does not deserve any concession. The judgment also clarified that the testimony of relatives cannot automatically be rejected in cases involving crimes committed within the privacy of a home. The court said forensic evidence recovered from the crime scene provided conclusive evidence against the accused. The forensic examination established a match between the recovered bullet casings and the pistol linked to the crime. The Supreme Court found no legal or factual flaw in the decisions of the lower courts and upheld the death sentence awarded to Waseem Abbas. According to the case record, Waseem Abbas shot and killed his former wife, Shehnaz Bibi, on October 11, 2020. She had obtained a legal khula decree from a family court before the incident. The convict allegedly entered the woman’s home and killed her around 48 hours after she obtained the decree. A trial court subsequently sentenced Abbas to death and awarded him 10 years in prison. The Lahore High Court later upheld the death sentence.

  • |

    Pakistan unveils new oil import framework to attract global suppliers

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has decided to introduce a new policy framework aimed at facilitating international oil suppliers, improving the availability of petroleum products and strengthening the country’s energy security. Under the proposed Import Policy 2026 through Customs-Bound Storage, foreign petroleum suppliers will be allowed to bring oil and petroleum products into Pakistan and place them in customs-controlled storage facilities without immediately becoming liable for domestic duties and taxes. The new mechanism is designed to provide greater flexibility to international suppliers while creating an additional buffer of petroleum stocks within the country. Suppliers will be able to retain their products in designated customs-bound storage facilities and subsequently decide whether to sell the stocks in Pakistan or re-export them to other destinations. According to the proposed framework, international suppliers will be able to supply petroleum products to local oil marketing companies (OMCs) and refineries when market conditions and domestic requirements warrant such sales. Alternatively, they may re-export the products without necessarily having to enter them into the domestic market. The policy is expected to create a more flexible operating environment for global oil traders and suppliers, potentially encouraging them to establish a stronger presence in Pakistan’s petroleum supply chain. The customs-bound storage mechanism would also allow petroleum products to be stored in the country while remaining under customs control. This could help suppliers manage their inventories more efficiently and respond more quickly to changes in domestic demand. Officials and policymakers see the proposed framework as a step towards improving Pakistan’s petroleum supply security, particularly during periods of heightened international market volatility or disruptions in global energy supplies. The availability of additional stocks within the country could also help reduce the risk of sudden supply shortages by providing a readily accessible reserve that can be released into the domestic market when required. For local oil marketing companies and refineries, the framework could broaden their access to international suppliers and create additional options for sourcing petroleum products. Increased competition among suppliers may also contribute to greater efficiency in the petroleum import and distribution system. The initiative is part of broader efforts to modernise Pakistan’s oil import arrangements and make the energy sector more responsive to changing international market conditions. By allowing foreign suppliers to maintain petroleum inventories under customs control, the government aims to strike a balance between facilitating international trade and maintaining regulatory oversight of products entering the country. The new policy framework is expected to establish clearer procedures governing the import, storage, domestic sale and re-export of petroleum products, while providing international suppliers with greater commercial flexibility.

  • | | | |

    Pezeshkian says ‘now is the best time’ for Ira…

    TEHRAN: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has described the current moment as the “best time” for reaching an agreement with the United States, while making clear that Tehran’s broader policy toward Washington has not changed. Speaking to media representatives in Tehran on Sunday, Pezeshkian said the United States had been pushed toward negotiations and reconciliation with Iran, describing the development as a success for Tehran’s diplomacy. His comments come amid heightened tensions between Iran and the United States and growing international efforts to find a diplomatic way out of the crisis. Pezeshkian suggested that the present circumstances could provide an opportunity to move toward an agreement if Washington was prepared to meet its commitments. The Iranian president accused the United States of failing to implement understandings reflected in an Islamabad memorandum and points jointly prepared by Iran and Oman. According to Pezeshkian, Washington’s failure to follow through on those commitments forced Tehran to respond. He said Iran had established a special team to deal with the crisis and that the group was continuing its work. “We are hopeful that Iran will move forward with dignity, determination and pride,” Pezeshkian said, stressing that Tehran would continue to protect what it considers its national interests. Despite signaling openness to negotiations, Pezeshkian adopted a tough tone toward Washington. He described the United States as a “criminal” and “colonial” power and insisted that Iran’s policy toward Washington remained unchanged. The president also warned against what he portrayed as attempts by the United States and Israel to weaken Iran from within. According to Pezeshkian, military pressure and war had failed to force Tehran into submission. He argued that Washington and Israel could now seek to exploit divisions within Iranian society by encouraging internal disputes. Pezeshkian urged Iranians to remain alert to what he described as such efforts, emphasizing that national unity was particularly important at the current stage. He called on the Iranian public to stand together to safeguard the country’s security and defence capabilities. The remarks underline the delicate balance in Tehran’s position: Iran appears willing to explore diplomacy while simultaneously maintaining its longstanding opposition to Washington’s policies. Pezeshkian’s comments could therefore signal a possible opening for renewed diplomatic engagement, but any breakthrough is likely to depend on whether Iran and the United States can overcome deep mistrust and resolve disagreements over previous commitments. For now, Tehran’s message is clear: the door to negotiations may be open, but Iran says it will enter those talks from a position of dignity, national unity and strength.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *