Reports indicate that SK Hynix's wafer foundry subsidiary, SK Hynix System IC has initiated a voluntary retirement plan for its entire workforce. SK Hynix System IC specializes in 8-inch foundry operations and has recently faced declining revenues due to aggressive price competition from Chinese manufacturers. Rumors suggest the company has recently been preparing for a "structural adjustment.
Samsung Electronics, after previously securing orders for 2nm AI accelerators from Japanese AI startup Preferred Networks (PFN), is reportedly set to supply 2nm chips to a South Korean NPU company. Samsung's 2nm process is currently undergoing mass production testing
Following Donald Trump's election, the US-China trade war appeared to be entering a new phase with Trump's announcement in late November of additional tariffs on China, Mexico, and Canada, a move reminiscent of his "Tariff Man" persona
Donald Trump's return to the US presidency, coupled with his appointment of hawkish cabinet members focused on China, signals the likelihood of escalated trade and technology sanctions against Chinese firms. Huawei, a key target during Trump's first term, is expected to face renewed pressure under his administration
The Chinese AI model DeepSeek has gained global popularity recently, bringing attention to a figure dubbed the "genius AI girl" Fuli Luo, born post-1995
In 2024, the optoelectronics industry faced challenging market conditions. Despite this, OLED panels are expanding from smartphones into tablets, PCs, and other IT products, driving investments from major players. Microdisplays, automotive panels, and glass substrates are also gaining traction, with competition expected to intensify post-2025
Mainstream car manufacturers are mulling expanding collaboration with Taiwan's supply chain to counter Chinese competitors' dominance in the electric vehicle (EV) market, according to industry sources
Wingtech, a Chinese ODM and IDM powerhouse, announced on December 30 that it has signed a letter of intent to transfer the equity and operating assets of nine ODM subsidiaries to Luxshare Precision Industry. This acquisition would mark a watershed moment in the supply chain landscape
As 2024 concludes and 2025 begins, AI remains the cornerstone of semiconductor sector growth, fueling increased demand for foundry services. However, Donald Trump's return to the presidency on January 20, 2025, introduces potential uncertainties. His administration's policies could drive inflation and economic cooling, aligning with a predicted downturn in the semiconductor market cycle. This adds complexity to the outlook under the Trump 2.0 administration
Samsung Electronics has reportedly announced the distribution of Overall Performance Incentives (OPI) across its departments. The Device Solutions (DS) division, finally turning a profit, will have its OPI distribution ratio rise from 0% in 2023 to around 12% to 16% in 2024, drawing major attention
The year 2024 saw intensifying US-China tech tensions amid sweeping US sanctions and China's economic challenges, including weak demand, declining foreign investment, and widespread layoffs. With former President Trump's return in 2025 looming, tech and trade conflicts are set to escalate, deepening the nations' decoupling
Guangzhou-based CanSemi Technology has launched production for its third-phase project, representing a CNY16.25 billion (approx. US$2.23 billion) investment. The new facility adds monthly capacity for 40,000 12-inch wafers, utilizing 180–90nm technology to establish a platform tailored to industrial and automotive-grade analog IC production
China's domestic CPU industry is experiencing rapid growth amidst intensifying US-China technological competition. At the forefront, Phytium announced that it has shipped over 10 million CPUs, setting a significant milestone in the evolution of China's semiconductor industry
China's two major crystalline silicon suppliers for solar cells announced production cuts in response to the current market downturn, where the industry is trying to cope with oversupply, decreasing prices, and fierce competition
A White House official said on December 27 that the US identified a ninth telecommunications company impacted by a wide-ranging Chinese espionage effort and that further steps are planned to curb cyberattacks from Beijing
