Smartphone sales have been weak in the wake of the cornavirus pandemic, but TSMC has disclosed it has seen the supply chain actively preparing for new 5G smartphone launches. TSMC has seen robust demand for 5nm process technology driven by 5G smartphones and HPC applications, but as the pandemic has caused some delays to 5nm chip deliveries, contribution of the 5nm segment to the foundry house's sales in 2020 will be slightly lower than previously estimated. The second-half 2020 outlook for the passive components market may have been dimmed the persisting pandemic, but Yageo's chairman says there is no need to be pessimistic.
TSMC raises forecast for 5G smartphone penetration: TSMC has revised upward its 5G smartphone penetration rate forecast for 2020 to 17-19%, but expects the overall smartphone shipments this year to decline 11-13%.
TSMC expects 5nm to generate 8% of 2020 revenue: TSMC expects to see 5nm process technology account for about 8% of its total wafer revenue in 2020, compared with the about 10% estimated previously. The foundry also confirmed it has stopped taking new orders from Huawei to comply with US export regulations.
Passive components demand unclear in 2H20, but not pessimistic, says Yageo: The passive component market outlook for the second half of 2020 remains uncertain, but there is no need to be overly pessimistic about it, Yageo chairman Pierre Chen has said.