IC Sockets Market Size, Share, Trends, Growth, and Forecasts for 2025 - 2032

IC Sockets Market Size and Trends Analysis

Sales in the global IC sockets market in 2024 stood at US$ 1,100.80 million. It is poised to surpass a 4.9% CAGR from 2025 to 2032.

The market is set to hold a valuation of US$ 1,601.70 million by the end of 2032. Based on application, the memory segment is projected to witness a significant valuation during the forecast period. It is expected to accelerate at a CAGR of 4.9% from 2025 to 2032.

The market for IC test sockets is expanding due to several key factors. Few of these factors include increasing use of ICs, especially in memory applications, and growing complexity of these applications due to their enhanced functionality. Recent developments such as 5G, internet of things (IoT), data centers, radio frequency devices, LPDDR5 DRAM, electric vehicles, and autonomous automobiles would also contribute to high demand

There is a rising demand for more powerful sockets to test large BGA packages. ICs are incorporating numerous functionalities while also becoming compact to accommodate sophisticated applications. IC testing poses a significant challenge for the semiconductor sector.

The testing supply chain is hence expected to be under strain, leading to the emergence of novel test and burn-in methodologies, including integration of TBI and wafer-scale tests. The IC packaging sector is also shifting toward flip chips, and it is estimated to see changes due to the ongoing adoption of 3D chip packaging.

Demand for IC sockets is also fueled by increased use of ICs in products that are deployed in challenging environments. While most IC test sockets have been used to measure electrical properties, need to test ICs for temperature tolerance and endurance has increased with the growing utilization of DRAM in servers and electric vehicles.

The IC sockets market has demonstrated steady growth due to increasing complexity and miniaturization of electronic devices, which necessitates efficient and reliable interconnection solutions. As technology advances, new IC socket designs are being developed to accommodate high pin counts, fast data transfer, and low power consumption.

Key Factors Driving Demand in the IC Sockets Market:

• Growing need to test ICs for temperature tolerance and endurance, particularly with the utilization of DRAM in servers and electric vehicles, would aid demand.
• Increasing awareness and implementation of energy-efficient solutions is expected to drive demand for low-power ICs.
• Increasing complexity and sophistication of electronic devices would help to expand the market.
• Development of advanced communication networks and infrastructure is estimated to push sales.
• Adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies worldwide is anticipated to support growth.
• Growth of the consumer electronics sector, including smartphones, tablets, and wearables would accelerate sales.
• Rising demand for data storage & processing in cloud computing and data centers is estimated to spur demand.

Attributes	Key Insights
IC Sockets Market Estimated Size (2025E)	US$ 1,145.90 million
Projected Market Valuation (2032F)	US$ 1,601.70 million
Value-based CAGR (2025 to 2032)	4.9%
The United States Value-based CAGR (2025 to 2032)	4.4%

2019 to 2024 IC Sockets Sales Outlook Compared to Demand Forecast from 2025 to 2032

According to Persistence Market Research (PMR), sales of IC sockets had increased to 4.1% CAGR from 2019 to 2024. It is projected to create an excellent prospect of US$ 494.1 million during the forecast period. The market is set to exhibit 4.4% CAGR in the next ten years

The IC sockets market is driven by increasing demand for electronic devices, as well as need for efficient devices and a reliable IC connection. The market includes various types of IC sockets such as dual-row sockets and surface mount sockets. Each type of socket has its own advantages and is suitable for specific IC packages.

The semiconductor sector has experienced steady growth, driven by technological advancements and increasing demand for electronic devices. With growing production of ICs, demand for IC sockets as a critical component in the testing and manufacturing process has also risen.

As ICs are being used in increasingly complex applications such as data centers, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, 5G technology, and autonomous vehicles, need for reliable IC sockets has grown. These would be able to ensure proper testing and connection of these advanced components.

Testing is a crucial step in the semiconductor manufacturing process to ensure the quality and functionality of ICs. IC sockets play a vital role in enabling efficient and reliable testing, allowing for accurate measurements and assessments. Demand for IC sockets has hence increased to meet requirements of the expanding IC testing sector.

What Main Factors Are Influencing IC Sockets Market Expansion?

• Technological Advancement:

Advancement of technology in the semiconductor sector plays a significant role in shaping the IC sockets market. As new and more complex integrated circuits are developed, demand for specialized IC sockets that can accommodate these advanced IC packages increases.

• Increasing Demand for Consumer Electronics:

Growing demand for consumer electronics such as smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, and wearable devices would drive IC socket demand. These devices rely heavily on IC and IC sockets. It provides a convenient and flexible solution for connecting and replacing these components.

• Shortening Product Life Cycle:

Lifespan of electronic products is constantly decreasing due to rapid technological advancement and changing preferences. This trend is set to lead to a high demand for IC sockets. They would enable easy and quick replacement of IC during product development and maintenance stages.

Which Region is Projected to Create Lucrative Opportunities?

The market is predicted to expand significantly in Asia Pacific. Due to shifting customer preferences, several businesses have practically cut the time spent on developing new products in half. This pattern would compel businesses to develop and test goods regularly, which would further encourage the use of IC sockets.

Countries in this region, notably China, have one of the most significant markets for ICs & IC test sockets. This is due to the country’s supremacy in the global consumer electronics and communication devices sectors.

The nation is also a significant investor in the global auto manufacturing sector. Positive government actions and policies might also encourage numerous domestic players to boost their investment in the area. These factors are likely to drive demand for IC sockets in Asia Pacific.

Country-wise Insights:

Why is the Demand for IC Sockets Increasing in the United States?

The United States IC sockets market size is likely to exceed a valuation of US$ 257.1 million by 2032. It is projected to create an absolute $ growth of US$ 89.9 million till 2032.

The United States market flourished at 5.5% CAGR from 2019 to 2024. It is expected to surpass 4.4% CAGR from 2025 to 2032.

One of the main reasons why the United States is a key player in the IC sockets industry is due to the country's large technology sector. Several leading manufacturers of IC sockets are based in the United States, including TE Connectivity, Amphenol ICC, and Samtec.

The United States is also home to various semiconductor companies, which rely on IC sockets for testing and prototyping their products. This has further led to a high demand for IC sockets in the country, contributing to its significant valuation in the market.

How Sales of IC Sockets Are Faring across China?

The IC sockets market in China is set to be worth US$ 303 million by 2032. It is likely to enjoy an absolute dollar revenue of US$ 104.6 million till 2032.

China market witnessed growth at 5.4% CAGR from 2019 to 2024. It is likely to accelerate at 4.3% CAGR from 2025 to 2032.

The IC sockets industry in China has seen rapid growth in recent years, with the country becoming a prominent player in the global market. One of the key reasons behind this growth is China's thriving electronics sector. It has driven demand for IC sockets across a wide range of applications.

The government's focus on developing high-tech sectors by incorporating internet of things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) has also created new opportunities for IC socket manufacturers. China is hence likely to continue to drive IC socket sales during the forecast period.

Category-wise Insights:

Which Type of IC Socket is Expected to Dominate through 2033?

Based on type, the through-hole sockets segment is anticipated to dominate the global IC sockets market by 2032. It was poised to expand at 5.5% CAGR from 2019 to 2024. It is projected to soar at 4.2% CAGR from 2025 to 2032.

As through-hole sockets provide a more reliable connection compared to surface mount sockets, their demand is set to expand. Through-hole sockets are able to withstand high temperatures and have a strong hold on the IC chip. It makes them a popular choice in sectors such as automotive and aerospace.

Through-hole sockets also have a longer lifespan, which makes them more cost-effective in the long run. These sockets are expected to continue to hold a significant value in the IC sockets industry in the next ten years.

By Application, Which Segment is Likely to Remain at Forefront?

Memory segment by application is predicted to witness exponential growth by 2033. Sales are likely to increase from 5.1% CAGR between 2028 and 2022 to 4.1% CAGR between 2025 and 2032.

Rise of cloud computing and big data has driven the demand for high-performance memory systems, thereby boosting sales of IC sockets for memory applications. Increasing adoption of AI, IoT, and autonomous systems has resulted in rising need for large-capacity memory devices.

It is anticipated to lead to rapid growth in the memory IC socket sector. Need for fast data processing and reduced power consumption has also led to the development of advanced memory technologies, driving demand for compatible IC sockets.

Competitive Landscape

Key players in the global IC sockets market include Aries Electronics, Inc., Enplas Corporation, Loranger International Corporation, Mill-Max Mfg. Corporation, and Molex LLC.

Manufacturers are focusing on developing innovative IC sockets solutions to meet the evolving needs. They are designing advanced sockets that can handle high speed, as well as accommodate various package types.

They are also offering customization options and working closely with customers to develop tailored solutions. A few other key manufacturers are investing in rigorous testing procedures and quality measures to deliver sockets that can withstand demand.

Recent Developments:

• In March 2020, TE Connectivity Ltd announced its acquisition of First Sensor AG, a leading sensor solutions provider. This strategic acquisition aimed to enhance TE Connectivity's sensor portfolio and expand its capabilities in the rapidly growing sensor sector. The acquisition aligned with TE Connectivity's focus on providing innovative solutions for a wide range of sectors, including automotive, industrial, and medical.
• In December 2020, WinWay, a prominent IC test equipment manufacturer, revealed plans to expand its production capacity for high-end IC test equipment. This expansion aims to meet the increasing demand for advanced IC testing solutions in the semiconductor sector. The move also reflects WinWay's commitment to providing cutting-edge technology and catering to the evolving needs of the market.

Companies Covered in IC Sockets Market

• Aries Electronics, Inc.
• Enplas Corporation
• Loranger International Corporation
• Mill-Max Mfg. Corporation; Molex LLC
• Plastronics Socket Company Inc.
• Sensata Technologies, Inc.
• Smiths Interconnect
• TE Connectivity Ltd.
• Yamaichi Electronics Co., Ltd.
• Molex