Fujifilm is expanding its chemical-mechanical planarization (CMP) polishing agent production in Japan to meet the rising demand for AI chips in Asia. This expansion will increase production by 30% and cater to major clients like TSMC. Fujifilm is also investing in other semiconductor materials, including EUV photoresists and color filter materials, to strengthen its position in the semiconductor industry

The Biden administration has unveiled the largest and most extensive list of chip sanctions against China to date, primarily targeting Chinese semiconductor equipment and materials manufacturers. However, the anticipated impact on the industry appears less severe than previously estimated due to Chinese enterprises focusing on localization for the past four to five years

NXP Semiconductors leads European expansion into China's semiconductor market, with executive vice president Andy Micallef outlining the company's plans to develop a supply chain in the region, citing China's position as the world's largest market for electric vehicles and telecommunications

Semiconductor Week in Review (Dec 1- 7)

The global EV market is rapidly expanding, particularly in China, driven by affordable models and government support. While Europe and the US face slower growth due to various factors, China's dominance continues to increase. Taiwan's automotive industry, leveraging its robust ICT sector, focuses on smart vehicle technologies to capitalize on this growing market

With the US implementing new semiconductor export controls, Samsung Electronics (Samsung) and SK Hynix have gained temporary relief as they advance their process upgrades at factories in Xi'an and Wuxi. However, the exclusion of CXMT from the Entity List has sparked concerns in the South Korean industry

China's electric vehicle (EV) sector sparked to life in 2014, marked by the emergence of pioneering startups like NIO, Li Auto, and XPeng Motors. In the five years that followed, over 60 new players entered the market, while 400 companies registered without ever producing a single vehicle

Southeast Asian nations are implementing strategic policies to promote EV adoption and secure a prominent position in the global EV industry by leveraging their regional advantages

Rapidus is underway with the construction of a wafer fab in Chitose City, Hokkaido. The company aims to commence trial production of 2nm chips by April 2025 and anticipates scaling to mass production by 2027. Unlike semiconductor hub Kyushu, home to TSMC's operations, Hokkaido's lack of semiconductor infrastructure presents unique logistical challenges

IC distributors are eyeing growing opportunities in India, as foreign and local firms, including Indium, expand their semiconductor investments

Apple Intelligence is targeting launch in the Chinese market by April 2025, but reports indicate that its collaboration with Baidu is facing difficulties

NXP Semiconductors is taking steps to strengthen its foothold in India with a substantial investment commitment that underscores the country's burgeoning status as a technological powerhouse. The company plans to inject over US$1 billion into India, focusing significantly on enhancing research and development capabilities. A considerable portion of this investment is set to benefit Karnataka, a southern state that is quickly becoming a magnet for technological investment and innovation

Huawei unveiled its Mate 70 series in late November, and by early December, the US imposed new restrictions targeting China's semiconductor sector. Analysts speculate the high-profile release, promoted with the slogan "Strong enough to take off," may have reignited US concerns, particularly over chips produced by SMIC, now under heightened scrutiny with subsidiaries flagged for "FN5" regulation

China has unveiled countermeasures following Trump's recent announcement of a 10% tariff on Chinese imports. On December 5, the Ministry of Finance of the People's Republic of China (MOF) released a draft proposal that would grant domestic products a 20% price evaluation advantage in government procurement, creating a significant barrier for foreign competitors in the bidding market

Chinese semiconductor exports are projected to exceed CNY1 trillion (US$30.8 billion) in 2024, having already reached CNY931.17 billion in the first 10 months of the year