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.



<h2>Taiwan Semiconductor Capacity Pressures Create Opening</h2>



Industry sources have described the spillover as a &#34;Taiwan Semiconductor trickle-down effect,&#34; 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.



<h2>Apple and Nvidia Test Intel's Foundry Capabilities</h2>



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 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.



Photo by Tada Images via Shutterstock

Intel Corp. is benefiting from the AI-driven semiconductor supply crunch as Apple and Nvidia redirect orders from Taiwan Semiconductor. This shift allows Intel to advance its foundry ambitions and compete with Samsung in advanced manufacturing. With U.S. government support, Intel is positioned to capitalize on excess demand. Initial orders from Apple and Nvidia will help Intel demonstrate its foundry capabilities, potentially leading to more advanced chip orders. Intel shares have risen over 141% in the past year, although they were down 2.24% at $47.68 recently.

- Intel Corp. is benefiting from the AI-driven semiconductor supply crunch as Apple and Nvidia redirect orders from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. The shift presents Intel an opportunity to enhance its foundry ambitions and compete with Samsung in advanced manufacturing. With increasing AI-related chip orders and the support of the U.S. government, Intel is poised to become the main beneficiary of excess demand in the market.

Why Taiwan Semiconductor's Capacity Nightmare Is Intel's Foundry Dream