The coronavirus epidemic has just started to show signs of easing in China, but the Chinese government can hardly wait to reboot its semiconductor industry. Its National Integrated Circuit Industry Investment Fund, aka Big Fund - set up to raise China's chip self-sufficiency - is kicking off its second-phase program at the end of March. The memory sector was still quite optimistic about demand this year when the outbreak was mostly confined to China and other parts of Asia earlier this year. But as it has developed into a pandemic, memory distributors are bracing for a disappointing second half of 2020. The pandemic's impacts are widespreading, casting a shadow even over the anticipated launch of Apple's 5G iPhones later this year. But that has not prevented the supply chain from vying for orders from Apple.
China Big Fund in 2nd phase to fuel chip industry: China's National Integrated Circuit Industry Investment Fund (Big Fund) is about to kick off its second-phase capital support for the local chip industry, according to industry sources.
Memory distributors uncertain about demand: Memory distributors have become more uncertain about demand due to the rapidly spreading coronavirus pandemic, and may adjust downward their quotes if demand turns out to be disappointing in the second half of 2020, according to industry sources.
BOE, GIS reportedly jointly developing touch modules for iPhone: BOE Technology reportedly has teamed up with touch panel maker General Interface Solution (GIS) to develop an out-cell touch module looking to grab orders from Apple for one of its 5G iPhone devices slated for launch in the second half of 2020, according to sources from the supply chain makers.
