According to the latest data from the General Administration of Customs, Chinas integrated circuit imports showed significant growth in both volume and value in the first two months of 2024. The data reveals that from January to February, China imported 78.5 billion integrated circuits, totaling $54.7 billion, representing year-on-year increases of 16.8% and 15.3%, respectively. However, it is noteworthy that despite the growth in volume and value, the average unit price of integrated circuits continued to decline, dropping from $0.708 in the same period last year to $0.697, a decrease of 1.55%.

This data trend differs from the overall trajectory of Chinas integrated circuit imports in 2023. For the entire year of 2023, China imported 479.6 billion integrated circuits, valued at $349.4 billion, representing year-on-year declines of 10.8% and 15.4%, respectively. Meanwhile, the average unit price for the year was $0.729, down 5.3% from $0.77 in 2022, reflecting an overall decline in market prices.

As a core component of Chinas electronics manufacturing and technological innovation, changes in the import volume and price of integrated circuits are highly scrutinized by the industry. Analysts point out that the increase in integrated circuit imports reflects strong demand in Chinas electronics manufacturing sector, driven by rapid development in high-tech fields such as smart manufacturing, 5G communications, and artificial intelligence. At the same time, the continued decline in average unit prices partially reflects improved global semiconductor supply and reduced cost pressures.

Although Chinas integrated circuit industry has achieved rapid development in recent years, continuously improving its self-production capabilities, it still heavily relies on the international market, particularly in high-end chips. Therefore, the Chinese government has been actively promoting the localization of the semiconductor industry, increasing R&D investment, and enhancing the self-sufficiency of the supply chain.

Additionally, integrated circuit import data is influenced by multiple factors, including global semiconductor supply chain fluctuations, international trade dynamics, and exchange rate changes. Against the backdrop of a complex and volatile global economy, the trajectory of Chinas integrated circuit imports will continue to be shaped by both internal and external factors.

In the future, as global semiconductor industry competition intensifies, China will face increasingly severe challenges in ensuring integrated circuit supply security, promoting industrial upgrades, and accelerating technological innovation. Industry experts believe that enhancing independent capabilities in chip design and manufacturing, strengthening international cooperation, and optimizing the industrial chain structure will be key to maintaining Chinas leading position in the new round of global technological competition.