GaNrich Semiconductor, a compound semiconductor manufacturer, has begun mass production of gallium nitride (GaN) power devices on sapphire substrates. The company has also launched a seamless in-situ replacement pin-to-pin solution that can directly replace traditional silicon and silicon carbide (SiC) components.
A prominent Chinese silicon carbide (SiC) manufacturer has filed for bankruptcy amid intense market competition, yet numerous competitors continue expanding production capacity despite market oversupply.
Despite the fact that Huawei employs mobile processors manufactured by China's SMIC, the company continues to rely on non-Chinese memory manufacturers for its premium smartphones, according to market sources.
In the year-end message to Tata Group employees, chairman N Chandrasekaran emphasized the transformative impact of manufacturing on India's economy, buoyed by global supply chain shifts favoring the country.
The electric vehicle boom has accelerated Silicon Carbide (SiC) technology development, with Chinese firms emerging as significant contributors. A report from French research firm Knowmade reveals that Chinese companies increased their SiC innovation patent filings by 60% between 2021 and 2023. During this period, 25 new startups filed patents related to SiC substrate technologies, while 50 others focused on SiC devices. These trends align with China's strategic push to strengthen semiconductor self-reliance amid intensifying global trade tensions.
The US government's new Section 301 investigation into China's mature semiconductor manufacturing processes signals potential expansion of trade restrictions, according to industry sources familiar with the matter. This development comes amid expectations of stricter sanctions under the incoming Trump administration.
Taiwan-based pure-play foundries have implemented various strategies to counter China's competitive pricing in mature process nodes, according to industry sources.
Intel Corporation will deliver insights into next-generation AI PC technology through a keynote speech at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January 2025.
Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) has allocated JPY100 billion (US$638 million) in its fiscal 2025 budget proposal (April 2025 to March 2026) to support domestic semiconductor startup Rapidus. The ministry also plans to introduce legislative changes during the 2025 regular session of the National Diet to bolster Rapidus and similar ventures.
Taiwan's successful track record of attracting major tech investments from companies like Nvidia, Micron, and AMD faces potential headwinds as lawmakers pass a new act that could reduce government subsidies by billions. The development comes despite the nation's significant achievements in fostering research and development, talent acquisition, and supply chain localization through existing programs.
South Korea's semiconductor industry is considering the creation of KSMC amid claims of facing its biggest crisis ever, prompting calls for KRW300 trillion (US$207 billion) in government financial support.
Nvidia recently unveiled a compact yet powerful computer, the Jetson Orin Nano Super, marking a significant shift toward on-premises generative AI solutions. While questions arise about the competition between edge AI and on-premise AI platforms, industry experts emphasize the importance of customization.
SEMI is stepping up to nurture India's critical talent pipeline as the country embarks on an ambitious journey to become a global semiconductor powerhouse.
Elephantech, a Tokyo-based printed electronics manufacturer, has introduced NeuralJet™, an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered inkjet technology that improves precision in semiconductor packaging applications through the correction of printing variations. The technology addresses specific challenges in advanced packaging processes, including those used in AI semiconductor production.
A report by Nikkei Asia reveals that Sony Semiconductor Manufacturing, operating mainly from four factories in Kyushu, Japan, has shipped over 20 billion image sensors. To enhance its production capabilities and sustain its dominant market position, the company is currently building a new facility in Kumamoto Prefecture.
The recently approved amendment to Taiwan's Act Governing the Allocation of Government Revenues and Expenditures has resulted in a NT$375.3 billion (approx. US$11.8 billion) annual reduction in regular revenue for the central government. Minister of Economic Affairs Jyh-Huei Kuo, who recently returned from a visit to Europe, announced on December 24, 2024, that the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) will face an annual budget shortfall of NT$29.7 billion (approx. US$930 million). This deficit will disrupt key initiatives, including crucial water resource development and technology subsidy programs.
Samsung Electronics and TSMC are advancing in next-gen fan-out panel-level packaging (FOPLP), but their strategies differ. Samsung is sticking with plastic, leveraging its experience in mobile chips, while TSMC is exploring glass panels, banking on cost and efficiency gains for AI semiconductors.
Flexible copper-clad laminate (FCCL) maker Taiflex Scientific expects to gain growth momentum from new product lines in 2025 though the consumer electronics market will only see mild recovery, with the automotive market unlikely to see improvements.
The US government has recently finalized the subsidy amounts for SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics (Samsung), with the two major South Korean companies receiving US$458 million and US$4.745 billion respectively, totaling over US$5.2 billion. This raises curiosity regarding what investments these two firms will pursue in the US.
Having previously focused on advanced chips for AI, the US government is now targeting mature process semiconductors amid fears of Chinese dumping that could undermine American suppliers. Washington has launched a Section 301 trade investigation, which could lead to higher tariffs and import restrictions.
The Biden-Harris Administration has imposed export controls and technology restrictions on China's advanced chip sector from 2022 to 2024. Recently, the US announced the initiation of a Section 301 investigation into China's mature process technologies. This measure can be viewed as a two-pronged strategy, combining cutting-edge technology restrictions with tariffs aimed at mass production of mature technologies, thereby delivering a "double strike" against China.
Tokyo Electron (TEL) aims to increase its revenue share from AI-related semiconductor equipment to approximately 40% by the fiscal year ending March 2026, up from the current 30%. The company expects this growing AI demand to counterbalance an anticipated decline in the Chinese market.
The US has initiated a Section 301 investigation into China's mature manufacturing processes, specifically targeting silicon carbide (SiC) semiconductor production.
