Below are the top DIGITIMES Asia stories from July 28 to Aug 3, 2025. The top three topics include Tesla striking a US$16.5 billion chip deal with Samsung amid 2nm rumors. Former Intel China head Ian Yang joined AMD, surprising the industry. Meanwhile, China quietly gains ground in mature chip processes with startups like Pengsun.
Why Intel is avoiding Tesla's chip orders
Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently drew attention by securing a major chip supply agreement with Samsung Foundry. While the reported deal spans eight years and is valued at US$16.5 billion, speculation persists over whether Samsung will use its advanced 2nm process technology—though this has yet to be officially confirmed.
From 'AMD killer' to AMD exec: Intel China veteran's stunning defection shocks industry
The former Intel China president, who once played a key role in stifling AMD's growth in the region, is now working for them. Ian Yang, previously dubbed the "AMD killer" for his hardline strategy against the rival chipmaker, has made a dramatic career shift by joining AMD as a senior executive.
Huawei's shadow fab (3): key 'mature process' piece on the US radar
While the world remains focused on the competition in advanced semiconductor nodes below 7nm, China is steadily advancing in a different, often overlooked area—mature process technologies. One rising force in this space is Pengsun (PST), a company founded in March 2022, which has quietly started to attract global attention for its growing significance.
Huawei's shadow fab (4): China's homegrown 'twin' exposure tool challengers
As the global semiconductor race intensifies, China's domestic companies are rapidly moving to localize key chipmaking technologies. Among the emerging players is Shanghai Yuliangsheng Technology Co., a relatively unknown startup founded just three years ago, which is rapidly gaining attention as a promising force in the complex and highly specialized world of photolithography systems.
US imposes 20% tariff on Taiwan, surpassing rates on key Asian exporters
On July 31, President Donald J. Trump issued a revised executive order adjusting tariffs on imports from multiple countries to tackle ongoing US trade deficits. Under the new terms, Taiwan will face a 20% ad valorem tariff—down from the 32% rate announced in April, yet still higher than the duties applied to key allies such as Japan and South Korea.
US sanctions stall CXMT's DRAM expansion, giving Samsung and SK Hynix breathing room
As the US ramps up export restrictions on advanced chipmaking equipment, China's leading DRAM maker, ChangXin Memory Technologies (CXMT), finds its expansion plans under growing threat. The tightened controls could slow CXMT's progress, offering South Korean giants Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix a potential competitive advantage.
Apple reportedly evaluates Intel 14A process; Nvidia expresses interest in trial production
Intel's advanced foundry business stands at a pivotal moment as CEO Lip-Bu Tan has openly acknowledged that the company might scrap its 14A process node plan if it fails to attract sufficient external client commitments. On a positive note, Apple and Nvidia have recently emerged as potential inaugural customers for the 14A node, sparking considerable interest across the industry.
Article edited by Jack Wu
