As we reach the end of 2025, I find myself reflecting on a year that shifts the rhythm of the technology landscape in meaningful ways. Artificial intelligence sits at the centre of so many conversations I have with engineers, suppliers, and innovators. It shapes not only the devices you, the readers, design, but the workflows, tools, and expectations that surround them. What once feels exploratory now sits firmly in the mainstream, influencing decisions from the Cloud to the Edge and into the smallest embedded systems.
The latest update from the World Semiconductor Trade Statistics (WSTS) organisation captures much of this momentum. The global market grew 22% in 2025, reaching $772 billion. Logic grew 37% and memory grew 28%, powered by AI-related workloads and the continued investment in computing and data centre infrastructure. Other segments are moving forward at a steadier pace: sensors rose by 10%, microprocessors by 8%, analog by 7%, and optoelectronics by 4%. Discretes dipped slightly, reflecting softer automotive demand.
Regionally, we see different dynamics playing out. The Americas and Asia Pacific grew by 25 to 30%, demonstrating the scale of ongoing investment in compute-heavy technologies. Europe grew 6%, while Japan recorded a 4% decline.
Throughout the year, AI influenced almost every discussion I had with engineers. It changes how teams approach verification, how they balance hardware and software, and how they plan for long-term support in markets that evolve quickly. Smaller models, improved efficiency, and new tooling are now familiar parts of technical planning.
As I look ahead to 2026, the industry mood remains optimistic. WSTS forecasts growth of more than 25%, lifting the market to $975 billion. Memory and logic will again lead with increases of over 30%.
For me, the coming year feels like a moment to consolidate what we have learned. Engineers continue to refine architectures, strengthen supply chain resilience, and explore how connected systems evolve when intelligence sits everywhere from the data centre to the smallest sensor. AI remains a consistent theme, but the conversation is now shifting towards practical deployment and real-world value.
As we step into 2026, I look forward to telling the stories that emerge, speaking with the people driving change, and charting how our industry adapts to another year of technological progress.
Wishing you all a fantastic festive period and a happy new year!