The first half of 2025 revealed a sharp contrast in the semiconductor market. While demand for AI-related chips surged, traditional sectors—including automotive, industrial, and legacy electronics—faced ongoing inventory challenges and slower purchasing cycles.
Major legacy chipmakers, such as Intel, have responded with strategic restructuring to adapt to evolving demand patterns.
As the industry enters the second half of the year, indicators suggest a gradual recovery in these non-AI segments, presenting new opportunities for procurement leaders and supply chain professionals.
First-Half of 2025 Snapshot: AI Surged, Traditional Sectors Stabilized
Automotive: Demand Slowed but Momentum Builds
Automotive semiconductor demand declined in Q1 2025, with the TechInsights Auto Semi Index falling 7% quarter-over-quarter. Excess inventory from 2024 contributed to a cautious start to the year. Still, OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers are beginning to re-engage, signaling a potential turnaround as the year progresses.
Industrial & IoT: Soft Orders, Flat Shipments
The industrial and IoT segments saw muted performance in early 2025. Despite overall market growth fueled by AI, shipments across industrial and communication sectors remained flat year-over-year, as buyers continued to work through surplus stock and delayed replenishment.
Power Semiconductors: A Reliable Growth Area
One bright spot was the power semiconductor market. Backed by ongoing demand in home appliances and renewable energy applications, the segment held steady with the market size approaching $52 billion in 2024 and continuing to expand in 2025.
Looking Ahead: Second-Half of 2025 Forecast and Emerging Tailwinds
Rebound in Automotive and Industrial Demand
Industry analysts anticipate that both automotive and industrial semiconductor demand will begin recovering in the second half of 2025. IDC reports that the slowdown seen in early 2025 may mark the low point, with OEMs expected to re-enter the market to support new product cycles and restocking efforts.
EV Acceleration Drives Growth
S&P Global projects automotive semiconductor growth of approximately 16.5% year-over-year through 2026, driven by electric vehicle adoption and more complex in-vehicle electronics. This trend is expected to increase demand for power devices, microcontrollers, and analog ICs.
Mature-Node Chip Demand Returns
As restocking activity picks up, so will demand for mature-node semiconductors—including MCUs, analog, and control chips—that are essential to both automotive and industrial systems. These components, which had seen less investment amid the AI boom, are now regaining relevance.
Packaging and Foundry Capacity Realignment
The emphasis on advanced-node AI chips in the first half of the year shifted foundry capacity away from traditional nodes. In the second half of 2025, a stabilization in production capacity is expected, supporting increased output of legacy-node components critical to non-AI sectors.
Strategic Shifts: Regional Diversification and Industry Consolidation
To adapt to market volatility and regional policy changes, chipmakers are restructuring and expanding capacity across different geographies. These moves aim to strengthen supply chain resilience and reduce exposure to geopolitical disruptions. For buyers, this may open up access to more diversified and reliable sourcing channels in the months ahead.
Key Takeaways for Procurement Professionals
- Expect demand to rise in automotive and industrial segments in the second half of 2025—plan sourcing strategies accordingly.
- Mature-node chips are regaining importance—secure critical components early to avoid bottlenecks.
- Watch for regional supply shifts and consolidation trends to identify new supplier opportunities.
- Monitor EV and infrastructure growth to align with long-term demand drivers for power and legacy semiconductors.
While AI remains the headline driver of semiconductor growth, 2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for the recovery of automotive and industrial chip markets. As inventory pressures subside and production strategies rebalance, these sectors are poised to reassert their role in the broader semiconductor landscape.
For procurement and supply chain leaders, the second half of the year offers a valuable window to reevaluate sourcing plans, strengthen supplier relationships, and prepare for renewed momentum.
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