The competition for advanced logic processes at the 2-nanometer level will enter its production phase in 2025. Following their absence in the 5nm and 3nm generations, both Intel and Japanese foundry operator Rapidus are positioning themselves in a transformed landscape dominated by TSMC and Samsung Foundry
Multiple delays in the production of Nvidia's flagship Thor smart driving chip have forced XPeng to reconsider its adoption for 2025 vehicle models. Wallstreetcn reports indicate that the setbacks are raising concerns about Nvidia losing key automaker partners
Zhipu AI, a Chinese artificial intelligence unicorn specializing in large language models (LLMs), has secured CNY3 billion (US$412 million) in its latest funding round—its second this year. According to Caixin, new investors include strategic and state-backed entities, alongside existing participants like Legend Capital. The proceeds will support the development of Zhipu's Generalized Language Model (GLM) series, strengthening its position in the AI industry
On December 17, 2024, the US Department of Defense (DoD) confirmed the removal of Advanced Micro-Fabrication Equipment Inc. (AMEC) and IDG Capital from its Chinese Military Companies (CMC) list, effective December 13
In a strategic move to consolidate resources against mounting competition in the electric vehicle market, Honda and Nissan have begun discussions about a possible merger, which would involve establishing a holding company to integrate both as subsidiaries, with the potential inclusion of Mitsubishi Motors
The US Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has expanded semiconductor export controls to include high bandwidth memory (HBM), a crucial component for artificial intelligence and high-performance computing. This strategic move raises concerns over the impact on Samsung Electronics, which sells specific HBM products to mainland China
The US reportedly plans to invoke Section 301 of the Trade Act to investigate Chinese semiconductors, focusing on mature process chips in medical devices, cars, and smartphones. The probe, driven by concerns over China's dominance and low chip prices, may lead to tariffs. Findings are expected in six months
With Donald Trump ready to take office in January 2025, notebook brands are asking their upstream supply chain partners to establish plants outside Vietnam, amid growing concerns that exports from the Southeast Asian country may become the next US target for higher tariffs, according to industry sources
Memory-chip maker Kioxia rose in its debut on the Tokyo Stock Exchange on Wednesday, underscoring decent investor demand for new shares in Japan. After initially dropping, the company traded at JPY1,493, compared with its initial public offering price of JPY1,455. That valued the firm at JPY807.5 billion (approx. US$5.3 billion), a fraction of the US$18 billion that a Bain Capital-led consortium forked over in 2018
In a strategic move to diversify its display supply chain, Apple has selected Tianma Microelectronics to provide 7-inch LCD panels for its upcoming screen-equipped HomePod, scheduled for release in 2025. The Chinese manufacturer secured the contract with an aggressive pricing of US$10 per unit, which industry observers note is exceptionally competitive even among Chinese suppliers
Despite continued weak demand for South Korean displays and components in 2024, an unexpected recovery has emerged near year-end. Analysts interpret this trend as a response to the impending inauguration of Donald Trump, prompting Chinese finished equipment manufacturers to actively build component inventories to mitigate potential escalation in the US-China trade war
Chinese automakers, led by BYD, are leveraging hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) to strengthen their foothold in the European market, where the European Union's (EU) increased tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles (EVs) notably exclude HEV systems
Rapidus has established strategic partnerships with two leading electronic design automation (EDA) companies to expedite the mass production of next-generation semiconductor chips
Samsung Electronics is doubling down on mature process foundry services while strengthening partnerships with IC design firms to expand its footprint in China, carefully navigating US export controls
