Intel Corp. (NASDAQ:INTC) is emerging as an unexpected beneficiary of the AI-driven semiconductor supply crunch after Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) and Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:NVDA) redirected select orders away from capacity-strained Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. (NYSE:TSM).
The shift gives the U.S. chipmaker a rare opportunity to advance its long-stated foundry ambitions and compete more directly with rivals such as Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. (OTC:SSNLF) in advanced manufacturing.
Taiwan Semiconductor Capacity Pressures Create Opening
Industry sources have described the spillover as a "Taiwan Semiconductor trickle-down effect," which had been expected to support a turnaround at Samsung's struggling foundry business.
Instead, with full U.S. government backing, Intel is now positioned to be the primary beneficiary of the excess demand, according to the Chosun Daily.
Rapid growth in AI-related chip orders has pushed Taiwan Semiconductor to warn major customers that it cannot meet all requested volumes.
Apple and Nvidia Test Intel's Foundry Capabilities
A Digitimes report on Wednesday said that Apple and Nvidia have redirected portions of their chip orders to Intel.
Because Intel has limited experience handling large-scale external manufacturing contracts, both companies are starting with lower-risk products. These initial orders allow Intel to demonstrate its foundry capabilities to two of the world's largest chip buyers.
If the ramp-up to large-scale production goes smoothly, leading U.S. technology companies may begin shifting more of their most advanced chip orders to Intel, supporting Washington's push to bring semiconductor manufacturing back home.
At the same time, the move could complicate Samsung's efforts to regain momentum in the global foundry market, the report said.
Intel shares have risen more than 141% over the past 12 months, reflecting growing investor optimism around its turnaround and manufacturing strategy.
INTC Price Action: Intel shares were down 2.24% at $47.68 at the time of publication on Thursday, according to Benzinga Pro data.
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