Smart Card IC Market Report 2025

The smart card IC market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $2.96 billion in 2024 to $3.14 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.2%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to rise in cashless transactions, increased focus on data security, global migration towards emv standards, expansion of healthcare id solutions, government initiatives for e-governance.

The smart card IC market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $4.37 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.6%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing adoption of wearables, expansion of smart cities initiatives, contactless access control systems, growth in mobile payments, integration in national identification programs. Major trends in the forecast period include innovation in payment technologies, contactless technology adoption, internet of things (iot) integration, multi-application cards, cryptocurrency hardware wallets.

The anticipated increase in contactless payments is poised to drive the growth of the smart card IC market. Contactless payment methods involve transactions without physical contact with a card reader or terminal, leveraging wireless communication via radio frequency (RF) signals between the payment card or device and the payment terminal. Smart cards, equipped with embedded integrated circuit (IC) chips, play a crucial role in contactless transactions, storing and processing payment information such as account details and transaction amounts. In February 2023, Barclays reported that the average UK contactless user conducted 220 'touch and go' transactions in 2022, reflecting a notable increase from 180 transactions in 2021. This surge in contactless payments is a significant driver for the smart card IC market.

The proliferation of smartphones is expected to be a key catalyst for the growth of the smart card IC market. Smartphones, combining cellular and mobile computing functions, utilize smart card ICs to enhance security, facilitate mobile payments, and provide authentication for various applications. According to Demand Sage in July 2023, the global count of smartphone users reached 6.8 billion, marking an increase from around 6.6 billion users in 2022. This widespread adoption of smartphones contributes significantly to the demand for smart card ICs.

Product innovation emerges as a popular trend in the smart card IC market, with major companies focusing on developing innovative solutions to strengthen their market position. In June 2022, ST Microelectronics NV, a Switzerland-based company, introduced the ST4SIM-201 embedded SIM (eSIM), specifically designed for machine-to-machine (M2M) communication. This small, secure, and flexible eSIM is tailored for applications such as smart meters, connected cars, and industrial automation. Based on the ST33J2M0 secure microcontroller, the eSIM incorporates hardware-based security features to guard against cyber threats and unauthorized access. Additionally, the eSIM supports over-the-air (OTA) updates, enabling remote reconfiguration and updates without requiring physical access. This product innovation aligns with the evolving needs of M2M communication and contributes to the dynamism of the smart card IC market.

Leading companies in the smart card IC market are placing a strong emphasis on the development of technologically advanced chips, utilizing cutting-edge technology such as the 28 nm technology node. The 28 nm technology node refers to a semiconductor manufacturing process technology used to create integrated circuits (ICs) with a minimum feature size of 28 nanometers. A notable example is Infineon Technologies AG, a Germany-based semiconductor solutions provider, which in November 2022, introduced the SLC26P, marking the first security IC for high-volume payment applications employing the advanced 28 nm technology node. This strategic move by Infineon underscores its commitment to the security IC market, aiming to address semiconductor shortages and enhance sourcing flexibility. Developed in collaboration with TSMC, the SLC26P is set to begin production ramp-up in H1 2023, offering increased performance, energy efficiency, and environmental benefits for smart card and embedded security applications in payment, transportation, identity, and authentication.

In August 2024, Polymatech Electronics Private Limited, an India-based electronics manufacturer, acquired Nisene Technology Group Inc. for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition is intended to enhance Polymatech's semiconductor capabilities, broaden its product portfolio, and foster innovation in advanced networking chips, thereby solidifying its leadership position in the industry. Nisene Technology Group Inc., a US-based semiconductor firm, specializes in developing testing and packaging solutions that are essential for ensuring the reliability of smart card integrated circuits (ICs).

Major companies operating in the smart card ic market include Infineon Technologies AG, NXP Semiconductors N.V, Samsung Group, STMicroelectronics N.V., CEC Huada Electronic Design Co Ltd., Eastcompeace Technology Co Ltd., Valid S.A., Microchip Technology Incorporated, EM Microelectronic, Watchdata Technologies Ptd Ltd., CardLogix Corporation, Thales Group, Renesas Electronics, Maxim Integrated, Shanghai Huahong Integrated Circuit Co. Ltd., Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Infineon Technologies, Winbond Electronics, Melexis, Beijing Watchdata, Giesecke+Devrient, Zwipe AS, Identiv, IDEMIA, Beijing Tongfang Microelectronics, Cardtek, Kona I Co.Ltd.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the smart card IC market in 2024. The regions covered in the smart card ic market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the smart card ic market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

A smart card IC (Integrated Circuit) refers to a miniature microprocessor chip embedded within a smart card, which resembles the size and shape of a standard credit card. These smart cards have the capability to store and process data, enabling them to execute multiple functions including identification, authentication, access control, and payment transactions.

The primary classifications of smart card ICs include microcontrollers and memory chips. A microcontroller is a compact integrated circuit responsible for managing a singular process within an embedded system. Its design encompasses 16-bit and 32-bit interfaces, such as contact, contactless, and dual interfaces, catering to diverse applications such as USIMs/e-SIMs, identification cards, financial cards, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Smart card ICs find usage across various sectors including telecommunications, Banking, Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI), government and healthcare, transportation, education, retail, and other industries.

The smart card IC market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides smart card IC market statistics, including smart card IC industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a smart card IC market share, detailed smart card IC market segments, market trends, and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the smart card IC industry. This smart card IC market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The smart cards IC market consists of sales of dual interface cards, memory-based smart cards, microprocessor-based smart cards, and hybrid smart cards that are used for identification, authentication, access control, and payments. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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