China produced 37.6 billion integrated circuits (ICs) in November, marking an 8.7% year-on-year increase, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

This figure represents the first single-digit growth rate for IC output in 2024.

The slowdown in IC output growth, a broad measure of semiconductor production, aligns with rising US-China tech tensions.

This includes US restrictions on China’s semiconductor industry, which have affected chipmaking capabilities and access to essential technologies.

Despite this, demand for ICs remains strong in sectors like robotics and electric vehicles, with industrial robotics output surged 29.3% in November year-on-year.

Meanwhile, EV production experienced a 51.1% increase.