While consumer electronics demand is experiencing a sluggish recovery, major Chinese MCU suppliers have redirected their attention to automotive and white household appliances, according to industry sources.
TSMC is expected to break ground on its new wafer fab in Germany around the end of 2024, with volume production to begin by the end of 2027, according to sources at semiconductor equipment makers.
Chinese panel manufacturer BOE has recently announced the construction of its 8.6G IT OLED production line, known as B16. This development has significantly benefited numerous South Korean equipment manufacturers. In a recent report, South Korean manufacturer Wonik IPS has reportedly secured an order for polyimide (PI) curing equipment for BOE's B16 production line.
Observers believe that US President Joe Biden's decision to forgo his re-election bid will undoubtedly boost Donald Trump's chances of returning to the White House. This could likely lead to a continuation of Trump's tough stance on China, potentially accelerating the reorganization of global supply chains and the deployment of regional production bases. Such developments may benefit Taiwan's struggling machinery industry.
SK Group, one of South Korea's largest conglomerates, is on the cusp of a monumental transformation. As the merger between SK Innovation (SKI) and SK E&S reaches its final phase, it signals a pivotal move in SK Group's sweeping business restructuring. This merger is not just a strategic consolidation; it's poised to redefine the energy sector in Asia.
Chen Nanxiang, chairman of Chinese memory company Yangtze Memory Technology Corp (YMTC), recently said during an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN) that he expects to see explosive growth in the semiconductor industry over the next 3-5 years.
Inspur, a Chinese server manufacturer, recently denied a Reuters report, stating it has no collaboration with Nvidia on designing a B20 AI chip based on the Blackwell architecture to meet U.S. export control requirements. The company asserts that the media report was unfounded.
South Korea's imports of panel manufacturing equipment soared tenfold in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, reaching approximately US$315 million. This dramatic increase is primarily attributed to Samsung Display's (SDC) substantial investment in 8.6G OLED technology.
With Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) chairman C. C. Wei promising to carry through overseas expansion plans regardless of the next US President, those securing TSMC's production capacities in its Arizona fab will gain some peace of mind amid uncertainties of a renewed tariff war threatened by Donald Trump.
Sharp has made a strategic move to enhance its mobile device wireless communication technology by acquiring communication patents from Foxconn. This acquisition aims to strengthen Sharp's existing capabilities, facilitate expansion into new markets, and support its strategic shift toward home appliances and AI-powered products.
Korean media reports said Samsung Electronics's 4-generation high bandwidth memory product (HBM3) has been validated and has started mass production. However, industry sources only said both its HBM3 and HBM3E are still going through the validation processes.
In the latest budget, India reduced import taxes for smartphones and components, as well as 25 critical metals to develop local manufacturing ecosystems. India also increased import tariffs on PCBAs for telecom equipment to discourage imports.
As Japan prepares to import its first-ever EUV lithography systems, ASML, the sole technology provider, plans to boost its local workforce significantly.
