Deutsche Bank analysts report a semiconductor supply-demand imbalance as TSMC's 95% share of advanced-node foundry services could drop to 90%. The AI hardware boom has created a backlog stretching into 2027, with clients needing 3 nm wafers. TSMC targets 190,000 wafers monthly by year's end, but demand still outstrips supply.

Fabless giants like AMD, Apple, Broadcom, MediaTek, NVIDIA, and Qualcomm are exploring alternatives. Samsung and Intel foundries are top candidates, despite rumored issues. Samsung's 2 nm (SF2) and 4 nm nodes are of particular interest, with its Taylor, Texas fab positioned as a key destination for U.S.-based clients seeking supply diversification.

The Taylor campus, originally planned for 4 nm, now reportedly accelerates a 2 nm GAA production pipeline. Analysts suggest AMD and Qualcomm could be early adopters of Samsung's second-gen SF2P node. While Intel's 18A and 14A processes are under evaluation, Samsung's Texas facility may win initial orders from the 'big six' fabless firms.