AI Chip Concept Stocks Watch丨SMIC (00981.HK) Fluctuates Slightly Higher, Institutions Point Out AI Continues to Drive Chip Growth Opportunities

NewTimeSpace (newtimespace.com) reported that on July 16, 2026, the semiconductor theme in Hong Kong stocks fluctuated weaker, while SMIC (00981.HK) edged slightly higher. As of 13:30, the stock was quoted at HKD 76.450, up a marginal 0.20%.

On the news front, media reported that DeepSeek is currently advancing its pre‑IPO preparations and may submit its application by late 2026 to early 2027 after completing its financial reports. As one of the major demand drivers for domestic AI computing power, DeepSeek's potential listing is expected to fuel subsequent model training, opening up further room for growth in domestic computing power demand.

Guoxin Securities noted that with generative AI driving explosive growth in data centers and surging enterprise‑grade storage demand, high‑performance SSD controller chips are presented with a critical growth opportunity. Going forward, chip design will focus on ultra‑high‑speed interfaces (PCIe Gen6/Gen7), low‑power optimization, and high‑efficiency flash memory management technologies.

SMIC (00981.HK)Provides IC wafer foundry and related technical services. It is the largest pure-play wafer foundry in China by capacity and offers the broadest coverage of process nodes. Its mature and select advanced process lines address applications including smart terminals, IoT, and computing chips. Based on its periodic disclosures, wafer shipments, capacity utilization, and revenue are at historically high levels.

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