The Chinese government will likely take action to retain the country's leading position in the battery sector. State-owned media reported that China may offer CNY6 billion (US$844 million) to six major battery and EV makers to facilitate all-solid-state battery R&D
Samsung Display (SDC) and LG Display (LGD) have reportedly received mass production approval for Apple's iPhone 16 Pro OLED panels simultaneously. This development is anticipated to assist LGD in closing the gap with SDC in the iPhone OLED supply chain
The US Biden administration will increase the tariffs on China-made EVs from 25% to 100% on August 1. China has vowed to retaliate and could raise tariffs on cars with engines larger than 2.5 liters from 15% to 25%
BYD Co. unveiled a new hybrid powertrain capable of traveling more than 2,000 kilometers (1,250 miles) without recharging or refueling, intensifying the EV transition war against Toyota Motor Corp. and Volkswagen AG
Microcontroller manufacturer Nuvoton Technology held its shareholders' meeting on May 28. The company reported that the PC market performed better than initially expected, and MCU orders are gradually returning
To establish its foothold amidst the AI wave, Samsung Electronics has been aggressively enhancing the competitiveness of its AI business through semiconductors, Generative AI, and home appliances. To do so, Samsung is adjusting its investments, recruiting talent, and restructuring its organization
The semiconductor industry is the lifeblood of South Korea, a country that heavily depends on its exports. In 2023, South Korea exported US$131 billion of semiconductors and imported US$106 billion, raking in US$25 billion in trade surplus. For Taiwan, when there is a trade deficit, it only amounts to a fraction of its foreign reserve, but that would be a heavy burden to South Korea, which is already shouldering US$663.6 billion in foreign debt
The competition of EUR20,000 (US$21,750) EV has mobilized the European automotive supply chain. Local automakers tend to collaborate with partners to gain a foothold in the sector. However, partnerships built across continents seem more promising than those formed within Europe
Memory prices are rising quarter after quarter, yet consumer electronics demand remains subdued. Recently, there have been rumors that Chinese memory module manufacturers are clearing out low-cost inventories
Volkswagen said on May 28 that it plans to roll out a low-cost EV for the European market in 2027, a move that will help it counter Chinese rivals' offense. In addition, Magna Steyr confirmed that it has discussed EV production for China-based carmakers in Europe.
China's freshly launched CNY344 billion (US$47.5 billion) national chip fund is likely to prioritize investments in major semiconductor firms, supporting their development of AI computing power and High Bandwidth Memory (HBM), as well as lithography tools that are crucial to advanced chip manufacturing
