Microelectronics

Bitkom: Semiconductors from Europe are also likely to cost more

October 30, 2025. In view of the uncertain supply of semiconductors from abroad, the companies concerned increasingly want secure sources of supply from Germany and Europe. A large majority would also be prepared to pay more for this, provided the performance of the semiconductors is not worse than that of their foreign competitors – but only within certain limits. Eight out of ten (79%) of German companies buying semiconductors this year would pay up to 5% more if they were produced in Europe. 17 percent would even pay up to 10 percent more, meaning that a total of 96 percent are willing to pay more. These are the results of a representative survey conducted on behalf of the digital association Bitkom among 503 companies with 20 or more employees from the manufacturing, IT and telecommunications industries – sectors in which semiconductors are heavily used.

Graphic: Bitkom

Tags

Nanoelectronics, Semiconductors, Technological Sovereignty

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The survey was conducted from July to September 2025 – i.e. before the current supply bottlenecks surrounding Nexperia. At the time of the survey, however, no company was prepared to pay more than 10 percent more for European semiconductors. But only 1 percent categorically ruled out a price premium for semiconductors made in Europe. “Europe and Germany must establish genuine digital sovereignty, reduce dependencies and increase their room for maneuver. It is an encouraging signal that the economy is prepared to invest in greater security of supply and our digital sovereignty. Digital sovereignty does not come for free and building a competitive semiconductor ecosystem initially costs money,” says Bitkom President Dr. Ralf Wintergerst. “Only together can business and politics reduce one-sided dependencies.”

In order for European semiconductors to be produced competitively, reliable framework conditions, well-trained specialists and political measures that accelerate rather than slow down investments are also needed. “The bureaucratic burden in particular must be drastically reduced,” emphasizes Wintergerst. Only then could initiatives such as the EU Chips Act be successful.

Almost three quarters (71%) rate the EU measures to strengthen the EU semiconductor industry as good in principle – and only 28% as bad. The EU Chips Act aims to significantly strengthen Europe’s semiconductor ecosystem: it wants to expand research and innovation leadership, promote the design, manufacture and packaging of advanced chips in Europe, increase security of supply, reduce dependence on third countries and achieve a 20 percent share of the global semiconductor market by 2030.

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