CITIC Securities' research report underscores that Data Processing Units (DPUs) encompass AI-optimized DPUs and full-featured DPUs. These specialized chips play a pivotal role in data centers, facilitating server networking and offloading certain CPU tasks. According to CITIC Securities' projections, the domestic demand for DPUs and the size of the supporting market are expected to surge to RMB 91.2 billion by 2028, marking a nearly 70% increase from the 2026 figures. From a usage perspective, the deployment of DPUs is set to rise in tandem with the escalating demand for computational power. Regarding pricing, advancements in AI-driven single-port communication rates are anticipated to propel intergenerational price hikes by 50%, indicating a simultaneous growth in both volume and price. At present, the domestic substitution process is advancing steadily. Alongside cloud service providers' in-house R&D efforts, third-party suppliers are also making their mark. These suppliers secure revenue streams through collaborations with cloud vendors and operators, while leveraging their technological prowess to broaden their customer base. Therefore, it is advisable to keep a close watch on leading third-party DPU suppliers.
