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
Toyota Motor reportedly plans to set up a new plant in Shanghai, China, to produce EVs for its luxury Lexus brand. This would mark the first fully-owned manufacturing facility by a Japanese automaker in China, similar to Tesla's ownership model. Previously, companies like Toyota have partnered with local manufacturers through joint ventures to operate in China
Synopsys, the leading electronic design automation company in the US, has launched its fourth office in Vietnam, located in Hanoi. The company already operates two offices in Ho Chi Minh City and one in Danang
Reliance, a conglomerate based in India, has established partnerships with Chinese companies following a period of Indian restrictions on Chinese investors. This development signifies a possible easing of bilateral economic relations, potentially paving the way for increased Chinese investments in India
The US House Select Committee on Strategic Competition with the Chinese Communist Party (Select Committee on the CCP) has urged a ban on importing OLED panels from BOE over alleged patent infringements against Samsung Display (SDC). Analysts suggest that such a ban could bolster South Korea's display industry, positioning SDC as the primary beneficiary
Japanese automakers are perceived as antiquated and slow to innovate, especially when compared with the rapid growth of Chinese new energy vehicles (NEV) brands. However, major Japanese car brands such as Toyota, Honda, and Nissan are exploring everything from building new factories to mergers in an effort to secure future growth
Chinese microcontroller unit (MCU) manufacturers are ramping up their presence in the edge AI sector, following the trajectory of global leaders in AI MCU development
Samsung Electronics is preparing to unveil its latest products at the Galaxy Unpacked event scheduled for January 2025. This event is set to feature the launch of the flagship Galaxy S25 smartphone series, along with the introduction of new devices like the Galaxy Ring 2 and augmented reality (AR) smart glasses, which will be integral to the expanding Galaxy AI ecosystem
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
Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. unveiled a new car chassis with an integrated battery strong enough to withstand fires or explosions from high-impact collisions
Mindgrove Technologies, an India-based IC design house, has secured US$8 million in funding, positioning the startup to commercialize its RISC-V products amid the Indian government's design-in-India initiative
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
China's leading power semiconductor IDMs are making headlines as industry pressures mount: Hangzhou Silan Microelectronics has postponed two major projects, while Beijing Century Goldray Semiconductor, a former pioneer in SiC technology, has entered bankruptcy proceedings
