These are the most-read DIGITIMES Asia stories from the week of April 7 – April 13.
China semiconductor's Deepseek moment? SiCarrier lithography claims meet skepticism
SiCarrier has made bold claims of achieving breakthroughs in photolithography technology—a domain dominated by global giants like ASML. At SEMICON China, it unveiled five platforms and claimed its 28nm immersion lithography system rivals top international standards.
However, the company showed no working prototype, failed to answer technical questions, and hasn't released benchmark data or wafer samples. While unverified reports suggest lab validation using 193nm ArF light and sub-2nm overlay precision, experts doubt SiCarrier has mastered the full integration required for high-end lithography.
No retaliation: Taiwan aims to stabilize US trade ties after tariff hike
In response to a new 32% US tariff on Taiwanese exports under the Trump administration's "reciprocal tariff" strategy, Taiwan's President William Lai has taken a non-retaliatory stance. He outlined a five-point plan focused on diplomacy, economic resilience, and deeper US ties. Despite the tariff affecting 23.4% of Taiwan's exports—mainly high-value tech goods—Lai stressed the economy's broader diversification.
Apple's US$500 billion investment pledge fails to secure tariff exemptions
Apple CEO Tim Cook's pledge to invest $500 billion in US manufacturing has not shielded the company from harsh new US tariffs. US President Donald Trump's tariff policy—ranging from 26% to 54% at the time of publishing—targets China, India, and Vietnam, all key Apple production hubs. Apple faces a dilemma: absorb rising costs and risk profit margins, or raise prices and risk losing customers, all the while the company's global supply chain remains deeply exposed to shifting trade policies.
Lip-Bu Tan gets real about Intel's foundry roadmap—and what it takes to win customers
After nearly 50 years of sticking to its integrated device manufacturing (IDM) model, Intel is making a serious push into the foundry business under new CEO Lip-Bu Tan. This strategic shift follows years of missed opportunities, manufacturing delays, and heavy reliance on TSMC for advanced nodes like 10nm and 7nm. More will be revealed at Intel Foundry Direct Connect on April 29, where the industry will watch closely to see if any major clients publicly back Intel's return to the foundry game.
Innoscience secures US patent victory as China accelerates third-gen semiconductor development
China is accelerating its efforts to lead in third-generation semiconductors, focusing on silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN)—critical materials for next-gen electronics, EVs, and power systems. Facing intensifying patent disputes, Innoscience is pursuing acquisitions and partnerships with major players like Apple and Tesla to solidify its global expansion and market position.
TSMC declines comment on Huawei chip allegations amid quiet period
TSMC has declined to comment on reports alleging it violated US export controls by supplying chips used in Huawei's AI processors, citing its pre-earnings quiet period. The company reaffirmed its commitment to legal compliance, noting it halted all Huawei shipments in September 2020 in line with US regulations.
TSMC conducts internal checks and works with authorities when issues arise. It also confirmed ongoing communication with the US Department of Commerce and is cooperating fully. The timing of the reports has sparked speculation about political motives or potential penalties, but TSMC has made no further public statements for now.
China's aggressive SiC price war set to halve cost by 2025
The Sino-US trade war is intensifying global competition in compound semiconductors, with Chinese manufacturers aggressively targeting price cuts in 8-inch silicon carbide (SiC) substrates—from US$1,500 to around US$700 by 2025. However, only 8–9 Chinese firms are licensed for 8-inch production, and just two have significant output, raising doubts about achieving such low prices. Meanwhile, the 6-inch SiC market is already oversaturated, with prices below production costs, forcing many players to operate at a loss.
Article edited by Jack Wu
