Memory prices are declining across all segments and are expected to continue their downward trajectory in the first quarter of 2025, according to industry sources.
Due to the downturn in the NAND flash industry, South Korean memory manufacturers Samsung Electronics (Samsung) and SK Hynix are implementing an investment strategy focused on cost reduction. Both companies are reportedly transforming older equipment with low utilization rates into the latest models.
South Korea's memory sector faces a slump in the generic memory market due to weakening demand in smartphones and PCs, contrasting with the strong growth of high-bandwidth memory (HBM) and AI-driven semiconductor technologies.
South Korea's Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy (MOTIE) has announced a KRW36.4 billion (US$24.79 million) investment to fund 48 next-generation semiconductor R&D projects by 2025. The initiative focuses on Processing-In-Memory (PIM) chips, advanced packaging, on-device AI semiconductors, system semiconductors, and compound power semiconductors.
Samsung Electronics has launched a comprehensive overhaul of its advanced packaging supply chain, focusing on "reassessing" materials, components, and equipment to boost competitiveness. This shift, reported by South Korean media, is expected to impact both domestic and international suppliers, sparking widespread industry attention.
Samsung Electronics' Device Solutions (DS) division is revising its production strategy as falling DRAM prices and weak IT demand weigh on profits. South Korean securities firms have slashed Samsung's fourth quarter 2024 operating profit forecast from KRW4.6 trillion (US$31 billion) to KRW3.6 trillion, marking a 6.7% decline quarter over quarter, reflecting mounting pressures from an economic downturn and aggressive pricing by Chinese competitors like ChangXin Memory Technologies (CXMT).
The government of Virginia announced that Micron plans to invest up to US$2.17 billion to expand its semiconductor manufacturing facility in Manassas to produce DRAM products for automotive, defense, aerospace, and industrial applications, expecting to create 340 new jobs.
Reports indicate that SK Hynix's wafer foundry subsidiary, SK Hynix System IC has initiated a voluntary retirement plan for its entire workforce. SK Hynix System IC specializes in 8-inch foundry operations and has recently faced declining revenues due to aggressive price competition from Chinese manufacturers. Rumors suggest the company has recently been preparing for a "structural adjustment."
As 2024 concludes and 2025 begins, AI remains the cornerstone of semiconductor sector growth, fueling increased demand for foundry services. However, Donald Trump's return to the presidency on January 20, 2025, introduces potential uncertainties. His administration's policies could drive inflation and economic cooling, aligning with a predicted downturn in the semiconductor market cycle. This adds complexity to the outlook under the Trump 2.0 administration.
Samsung Electronics has reportedly announced the distribution of Overall Performance Incentives (OPI) across its departments. The Device Solutions (DS) division, finally turning a profit, will have its OPI distribution ratio rise from 0% in 2023 to around 12% to 16% in 2024, drawing major attention.
South Korea has expedited the approval of the Yongin Semiconductor National Industrial Complex. The strategic project aims to bolster the nation's semiconductor industry amid global competition and security concerns.
Despite the fact that Huawei employs mobile processors manufactured by China's SMIC, the company continues to rely on non-Chinese memory manufacturers for its premium smartphones, according to market sources.
As global memory manufacturers race to advance DDR5 technology, a dispute has emerged over China's semiconductor capabilities. Zol.com.cn reports that Changxin Memory Technologies (CXMT), China's leading DRAM manufacturer, claims to have achieved an 80% yield rate in its DDR5 mass production, matching the 80-90% yields of industry leaders Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix. However, Businesskorea contests this assertion, stating CXMT's actual DDR5 yield hovers between 10-20%, raising doubts about the Chinese media's figures.
According to Silicon Motion Technology, a specialist in memory device controllers, the NAND flash industry is expected to reach a supply-demand balance or experience a slight shortage in the second half of 2025.
Micron Technology's Taiwan subsidiary officially held an opening ceremony for its third office building in Taichung on December 25, marking a significant milestone in its long-term investment in the region. The new development underscores Micron's commitment to deepening its roots in Taiwan.
Micron is aggressively expanding its footprint in the high-bandwidth memory market, capitalizing on surging AI chip demand to accelerate growth. Backing this expansion, the company is set to receive up to US$6.165 billion in CHIPS Act funding from the US Department of Commerce by the end of 2024. To strengthen its market position, it plans to expand production in the US and Malaysia, aiming for a 20% share of the HBM market by 2025.
As competition in the high bandwidth memory (HBM) market escalates, SK Hynix is on track to begin mass production of its 16-layer HBM3E products as planned. The significance of this achievement is heightened by the fact that the same stacking technology will be applied to HBM4.
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.
As Broadcom strengthens its position in AI chip development through partnerships with industry giants like Apple and Google, the company has now secured a significant high-bandwidth memory (HBM) supply agreement with SK Hynix, according to South Korean media reports.
ChangXin Memory Technologies (CXMT), China's leading DRAM manufacturer, has reportedly begun mass production of DDR5 memory, according to market sources.
Micron has released its first-quarter fiscal 2025 (1QFY25, ending November 28, 2024) financial results, highlighting strong performance in its HBM segment. However, a weaker-than-expected outlook has dampened market confidence, casting a shadow over South Korean rivals Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix.
Japanese NAND flash maker Kioxia debuted on the Tokyo Stock Exchange's Prime Market on December 18, marking a significant milestone. Despite an initial stock price surge, the company's current market value stands at less than half of the JPY2 trillion (approx. US$13 billion) valuation it held upon separating from Toshiba in 2018.
While SEMICON Japan 2024 highlighted 3DIC and advanced packaging equipment essential for artificial intelligence (AI) chips, the event saw fewer physical machinery demonstrations than expected.
Nanya Technology has greenlit a strategic alliance with DRAM design firm PieceMakers Technology, committing up to NT$6.6 billion (US$1.5 million) in a cash capital increase to secure a 38% stake. The collaboration targets customized ultra-high-bandwidth memory solutions tailored for AI and edge computing demands.
