Samsung Electronics is targeting 2027 to turn its foundry business profitable, driven by expected orders from major clients such as Tesla and the full-scale operation of its new Texas fab, according to South Korean media outlet ET News. The company has reportedly shared this goal with partners while outlining future investment plans.

Transmission component maker Hiwin reportedly expects overall industry conditions to clarify only after March 2026, despite stable current market demand with customers focusing on short-term needs. The company is optimistic about revenue growth next year, fueled mainly by strong demand in semiconductor equipment and robotics, which it sees as key drivers for its business.

US export controls on advanced chips are starting to show real impact. People familiar with the matter say China is running short of high-end semiconductors, pushing Beijing to step in and influence SMIC's production allocation. The government is prioritising Huawei and other state-backed companies viewed as strategically critical.

GlobalFoundries forecasts stronger results for the fourth quarter of 2025, saying robust demand from automotive and data center customers is expected to offset continued weakness in the smartphone market.

South Korean AI chip startup Rebellions is accelerating its global expansion, establishing a US entity and appointing two senior Silicon Valley executives to strengthen its position in the North American market.

Infineon Technologies is ramping up its focus on AI infrastructure, projecting EUR1.5 billion (approx. US$1.74 billion) in AI server-related revenue for fiscal 2026, double the previous year's level. Executives said the company's leadership across power management technologies and strong partnerships with GPU and server makers position it to capture accelerating AI-driven growth.

Infineon Technologies expects moderate growth in fiscal 2026 as geopolitical uncertainties, tariff risks, and currency fluctuations weigh on near-term performance. CEO Jochen Hanebeck said the company remains well-positioned for long-term growth, driven by structural demand and rising opportunities in AI and energy efficiency.

Analysts believe Tesla is shifting from battery-buying to battery-making, as its procurement team is reportedly in active communication with South Korean suppliers of cathode materials, anode materials, and copper foil for batteries. This reflects Tesla pursuing vertical integration to boost profitability and establish a self-contained ecosystem. According to the Korea Economic Daily, Tesla has also discussed orders with a South Korean copper foil manufacturer, with supply expected to begin in 2026.

Tanaka Precious Metal Technologies has developed TK-SR, a rhodium-based material for probe pins used in probe cards during semiconductor front-end testing.

Elon Musk, owner of SpaceX and Tesla Inc., is making significant strides to develop a comprehensive semiconductor manufacturing supply chain in the US. Sources indicate that the fan-out panel-level packaging (FOPLP) plant in Texas has reached the equipment delivery phase and aims to commence volume production by late third quarter 2026.

Infineon Technologies struck a cautious tone on its automotive outlook during its 2025 earnings call, with CEO Jochen Hanebeck highlighting ongoing challenges in China's electric vehicle (EV) market and competitive pressures on power modules, even as demand for microcontrollers and Ethernet solutions continues to strengthen.

Infineon Technologies ended fiscal 2025 with stable revenue and a rebound in profit, supported by strong demand for power and sensor products. The company expects moderate growth in fiscal 2026, with AI data center demand emerging as a key growth driver despite continued weakness in automotive and industrial markets.

Kaynes Semicon, the semiconductor division of India's Kaynes Technology, is expanding beyond its success in power module packaging toward advanced chiplet and co-packaged optics assembly.

Elon Musk's declaration that he is "very excited about chips" has rattled the global foundry industry. His plan for a massive Tesla-built wafer fab threatens to turn what was once a victory for Samsung's foundry arm into its next big headache.

Samsung Chairman Lee Jae-yong's right-hand man, Chung Hyun-ho, has suddenly retired. Chung led the Business Support Task Force (TF), and Lee is expected to take full control of Samsung's personnel and outline a new blueprint for the company's future to restore its former glory.

South Korean foundry DB HiTek is capitalizing on tightening supply in the legacy chip market, posting a 71% year-over-year surge in third-quarter 2025 operating profit.

Global PMX achieved a turnaround to profitability in the third quarter of 2025, driven by a strong surge in its semiconductor segment and aggressive expansion of overseas production capacity. The company, which manufactures and processes precision metal components, expects strong growth momentum going forward.

Samsung will continue investment in the Phase 4 production line at its Pyeongtaek campus, converting the facility from foundry to 1c DRAM production. The latest monthly capacity is estimated at 80,000 wafers. Additionally, the previously postponed Phase 2 (Ph2) line is expected to resume investment in 2026 as a foundry production line.

The AI boom has caused memory giants to concentrate production on HBM, resulting in a shortage of general-purpose DRAM and high prices. According to Chosun Biz, DRAM prices are expected to continue rising as a product of the supply shortage. Analyses indicate that SK Hynix's general-purpose DRAM operating profit margin could reach 70%, drawing attention to its future developments.

Major semiconductor equipment makers in China reported mixed results in the third quarter of 2025. Naura posted the highest revenue in the third quarter of 2025, while Piotech delivered the fastest growth, with sales surging 82% quarter-over-quarter and 124% year-over-year. Other Chinese semiconductor equipment makers reported mixed results amid uneven demand across product segments.

As construction of TSMC Arizona fabs accelerates, two of its low-profile Taiwanese suppliers, Chang Chun Group and Sunlit Chemical, are emerging as early winners.

South Korean foundry DB HiTek reported provisional results, showing that its revenue for the third quarter of 2025 reached KRW374.7 billion (approx. US$256 million), while operating profit soared to KRW80.6 billion, fueled by robust demand for power management semiconductors.

ASML CEO Christophe Fouquet visited South Korea to mark the opening of the company's new campus in Dongtan, Hwaseong City, Gyeonggi-do province. The facility is designed to accelerate cooperation with local semiconductor giants Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix on next-generation technologies.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) approved its third-quarter 2025 business report and financial statements during a board meeting on November 11. The company also finalized plans to sell machinery and equipment to Vanguard International Semiconductor Corporation (VIS), with the transaction valued between US$20 million and US$23 million. This deal coincides with a capital budget of approximately NT$14.916 billion (US$480 million) supporting ongoing operational adjustments.