Mitsubishi Motors reported a steep decline in earnings for the first quarter of fiscal 2025, with net profit plunging more than 97% year-over-year to JPY738 million (approx. US$4.97 million), as the company faced headwinds from a stronger yen, US automotive tariffs, and sluggish sales in Southeast Asia — a historically critical market

Ahead of the 2025 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC), Shenzhen Intellifusion Technologies Co. launched a comprehensive portfolio of AI inference products, including the Edge200 chip, the Shenqiong X6000 Mesh Acceleration Card, and new inference appliances. Chairman and CEO Ning Chen described 2025 as a "critical inflection point" for the industry, marking the shift from training to large-scale AI inference

Rohm posted a rare net loss in fiscal 2024 amid market headwinds but expects a rebound in fiscal 2025. Growth in electric vehicle and artificial intelligence demand, deeper ties with Denso, and a focus on smaller customers and cost control underpin its strategy to regain profitability

Despite posting their highest-ever second-quarter revenues, Hyundai Motor Group is grappling with the growing toll of US import tariffs—a headwind that threatens to deepen in the second half of 2025

Foxconn has increased its investment in two US-based electric vehicle units as part of a long-term strategy to expand its global manufacturing footprint amid shifting geopolitical dynamics and trade barriers

The man who once crushed AMD's dreams in China now works for them. Ian Yang, Intel China's former president dubbed the "AMD killer" for his ruthless campaign against the rival chipmaker, has made one of the semiconductor industry's most shocking career pivots — joining AMD as a senior executive

Samsung Electronics has reportedly secured new clients for its 8nm wafer foundry services through collaboration with its Design Solution Partners (DSPs). This development is expected to significantly boost Samsung Foundry's production line utilization rates

US authorities have imposed a combined US$140 million penalty on Cadence Design Systems Inc. for illegally exporting sensitive semiconductor design technology to Chinese military-affiliated entities

On July 28, Chinese AI startup Zhipu released its latest open-source model, GLM-4.5, marking its most powerful release to date and reinforcing its ambitions in the growing field of intelligent agent applications. The new model arrives amid a surge in model releases from Chinese developers, reflecting intensifying domestic competition in generative AI, report Reuters and Bloomberg

The US and China have each unveiled comprehensive AI action plans that position the technology as a pivotal element in national defense and foreign policy, effectively creating two major global AI camps. These strategies focus on competition for influence over third-party countries, where open-source AI models may play a decisive role

Cadence Design Systems expressed confidence in its second-half 2025 outlook despite lingering geopolitical uncertainties. In its second-quarter 2025 earnings call, executives affirmed steady China revenue expectations, rising momentum in advanced packaging, and minimal tariff exposure, underscoring the company's strategic positioning amid accelerating global demand for electronic design automation and semiconductor design tools

Cadence Design Systems posted strong second-quarter 2025 results and raised its full-year guidance, overcoming a US$140.6 million charge tied to unauthorized China exports. Robust EDA demand and AI-driven growth boosted performance, with analysts downplaying the penalty's impact and highlighting the company's improving margins and resilient market position

China's PCB upstream and downstream supply chain has seen massive expansion supported by government policies in recent years. However, the subsequent industry downturn has led to overcapacity, forcing manufacturers to cut prices to win orders, thus triggering a wave of intense internal competition

Chinese chemical makers are rapidly entering South Korea's semiconductor coolant supply chain following 3M's planned exit from the business. Firms like Juhua, ChemPacific, and Noah Fluorochemical are now supplying major chipmakers Samsung and SK Hynix, marking China's growing influence in a critical segment of advanced semiconductor manufacturing infrastructure