Socionext, a Japanese IC design house, is advancing plans to develop semiconductor products utilizing 2nm process technology in North America. While the company considers Rapidus, currently developing 2nm mass production technology, as a potential manufacturing partner, it maintains a robust partnership with TSMC
LG Electronics has embarked on a strategic transformation in 2024, shifting its focus toward non-hardware businesses and B2B operations. The company has enhanced investments in automotive parts, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), embedded appliances, commercial displays, and the webOS platform. Through this strategic pivot, LG aims to achieve over 7% growth in revenue, operating profit margin, and EBITDA
At CES 2025, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang stated that Samsung Electronics (Samsung) must develop a "new design" to pass Nvidia's qualification, sparking discussions about whether Samsung can make a comeback with HBM3E in 2025. However, according to Chosun Biz, many industry insiders pointed out that if Samsung collaborates with Nvidia's competitor Broadcom, a different outcome may emerge
New players are joining the supply chain competition as China's major memory chip manufacturers have rapidly developed. It seems to challenge the market positions of Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, and Micron Technology
The US government has unveiled new semiconductor export restrictions aimed at China, potentially disrupting ChangXin Memory Technologies (CXMT) while favoring Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, and Micron Technology. Bernstein's analysis, cited by Seeking Alpha and Business Post, suggests these measures will bolster South Korean chipmakers' competitiveness
Rohm Semiconductor, a leading Japanese electronics company, is poised to incur a consolidated net loss of JPY6 billion (US$39 million) for fiscal year 2024 (April 2024 - March 2025), marking its first deficit since 2012. The anticipated downturn comes amid weakening demand for power semiconductors in the electric vehicle (EV) market, a key revenue driver. In response, the company is implementing significant leadership changes and operational adjustments
Chinese smartphone brand Honor announced on January 17 that CEO George Zhao has resigned. Jian Li, a former Huawei executive, is set to take over the role. According to the company's statement, Zhao stepped down from both his director and CEO positions for personal reasons. Honor praised his significant contributions to the company's growth and development. Zhao also shared his decision on social media, describing it as "an extremely difficult decision.
China's trade-in program officially begins on January 20, 2025, introducing subsidies for purchasing smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and fitness bands. In response, Apple has adjusted its pricing strategy in China, reducing the cost of several iPhone models to align with the subsidy threshold of CNY6,000 (US$820.17) per unit
Recently, South Korean testing equipment provider Nextin is reportedly in discussions to supply testing equipment to Japanese NAND Flash manufacturer Kioxia. If the negotiations work out, it is expected that Nextin will be able to supply 3D NAND wafer testing equipment to both SK Hynix and Kioxia, two of the largest NAND producers
As Donald Trump returns to the White House, South Korean industries are closely monitoring the potential implementation of anticipated executive orders and their implications for critical sectors such as semiconductors, automotive manufacturing, and steel production. While these industries face considerable risks, others, including drones, shipbuilding, and aerospace, may find growth opportunities
Recent reports indicate that upon taking office, Trump will swiftly sign numerous executive orders. Many semiconductor manufacturers have expressed that while artificial intelligence remains a major growth driver, numerous business and strategic development plans are on hold until Trump's actual policy direction becomes clear
China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) has established a department to boost the low-altitude economy, targeting growth in 2025 and beyond. This move aligns with Beijing's recent push for aviation reforms, focusing on airspace management, traffic systems, and low-altitude infrastructure
As 2025 unfolds, China's smartphone market faces a wave of price cuts, with Apple launching promotions and Huawei following suit by adjusting its pricing. While manufacturers compete for market share through innovation in a contracting market, the increasing similarity of smartphone models and features has made differentiation challenging
The US has introduced stricter export controls on chips with 30 billion transistors at 16/14nm nodes to limit Chinese access to advanced processors. Industry sources indicate that this will immediately impact Chinese AI accelerator developers
