STMicroelectronics has begun delivering general purpose STM32 microcontrollers manufactured in China, marking a significant step in its global supply chain strategy. The first batch of STM32 wafers, fully produced in China by Huahong, is now reaching customers within the country.
This milestone positions ST as the first global semiconductor company to establish a dual supply chain model, with 40 nm microcontrollers produced entirely in China using the same design and process technology as devices manufactured elsewhere.
The result is a fully localized STM32 supply chain that spans wafer fabrication, packaging, and testing, while maintaining global consistency in quality and performance.
At the front end, ST builds on a 15 year partnership with Huahong, using the same 40 nm embedded non volatile memory technology and quality standards deployed in its own fabs worldwide.
This ensures that devices produced in China remain fully compatible with STM32 products manufactured globally. Packaging and testing are handled through ST’s Shenzhen facility along with local OSAT partners.
For customers in China, this approach introduces greater supply flexibility, offering the option to source STM32 microcontrollers either locally or from ST’s international manufacturing network without compromising on quality or compatibility.
Looking ahead, ST plans to expand local production across several STM32 families between 2026 and 2027.
The first product under this China focused supply chain is the STM32H7 series, a mature high performance microcontroller family used in industrial systems, smart home devices with advanced displays, personal electronics, and medical applications. Initial models are already in mass production, with additional variants expected by the end of 2026.
Next in line is the STM32H5 series, designed to deliver higher performance and enhanced security. Its application range spans data center pluggable optics modules as well as a wide array of consumer and industrial systems, including home appliances, security systems, lighting, power conversion, and PC peripherals. Mass production is scheduled by the end of 2026.
ST also plans to localize the STM32C5 series, an entry level microcontroller family targeting industrial automation, motor control, digital power, medical devices, and consumer applications such as gaming and wearables. This series is also expected to enter mass production by the end of 2026.
With this move, ST is not only strengthening its manufacturing footprint in China but also offering customers a more resilient and flexible supply model without sacrificing the consistency that the STM32 ecosystem is known for.
Leadership Comment
“Bringing STM32 MCUs to mass production in China is a core commitment of ST to its Chinese customers. In collaboration with Huahong, ST is bringing the very same market-leading products to customers with a secure, reliable, and resilient local microcontroller supply chain. ST will continue to respond to the needs of its Chinese customers with greater speed and precision,” said Henry Cao, Executive Vice President, Sales & Marketing, China Region, STMicroelectronics.
