On August 29, 2025, local time, the US Department of Commerce (DOC) announced it will revoke the Validated End-User (VEU) exemptions previously granted to South Korean manufacturers Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix for using US-made semiconductor equipment in their China-based factories
Samsung Electronics will resume its investment in the foundry plant in Taylor, Texas. The previous delays caused by customer confirmation issues have reportedly been resolved, and Samsung is set to launch approximately KRW4 trillion (US$2.9 billion) worth of equipment investments at the Taylor facility, driven primarily by a large order from Tesla
The global surge in generative AI is driving explosive growth in the AI server market, making advanced CoWoS packaging a crucial battleground for GPU makers and custom chip developers. However, shortages of key upstream materials for IC substrates have created a chokepoint, forcing customers to scramble for supply
Alibaba Group is reportedly making progress in its development and supply strategies for AI chips. There are mixed reports regarding the company’s procurement of computing power chips. Some foreign and Chinese media sources have suggested that Alibaba's next-generation AI chip is currently in the testing phase and is compatible with Nvidia products. However, reportedly, this chip may not be manufactured by TSMC anymore and could instead be produced by a domestic Chinese foundry. Alibaba has not publicly confirmed these claims
China's drive to develop a homegrown GPU ecosystem is accelerating, but industry leaders warn of overheating and deep-seated bottlenecks. Cambricon Technologies, frequently portrayed as the nation's AI champion, cautioned investors against inflated expectations, projecting 2025 revenue of just CNY5–7 billion (approx. US$700 million–US$980 million). The guidance highlights the widening gulf between market hype and the hard realities of China's semiconductor ambitions
The global AI surge has turned computing power into a core strategic resource. With Washington tightening curbs on advanced GPU exports, Nvidia's revenue in China has collapsed, opening a rare market window for domestic AI chipmakers
BYD's financial report reveals a 30% year-over-year decline in profit for the second quarter of 2025. This drop not only fell short of market expectations but also marked the first decline since 2021, underscoring how intense price competition in China's automotive market is affecting even industry leaders
Taiwan's prosecutors are pursuing a 14-year prison term in a high-profile TSMC trade secrets case, underscoring how Taipei views semiconductor technology leaks as threats to national security. The indictment, handed down on August 27, 2024, charged three suspects with violating the National Security Act and misusing core technology abroad. The defendants face potential sentences of 14, nine, and seven years, according to the Intellectual Property Branch of the Taiwan High Prosecutors' Office
As high-bandwidth memory (HBM) moves to taller stacks with denser chip-to-chip I/O connections, thermal compression bonding (TC bonder) technology is hitting bottlenecks. Hanwha Semitech aims to address the challenge with advanced fluxless bonding tools, targeting the market for HBM4 and beyond
South Korea-based optical wafer inspection equipment manufacturer Nextin has made strides in the high-bandwidth memory (HBM) segment, gaining traction after launching its dedicated HBM inspection system, KROKY, in 2023. The company has already supplied the tool to SK Hynix, the world's leading HBM vendor, and plans to roll out more advanced systems tailored to Micron and other major players
South Korea recently hosted the second annual Social Value Festa, exploring ways to design a sustainable future. The event attracted over 300 major corporations, social enterprises, and venture capital firms, including SK Group, Kakao, and LG Chem. Leading companies showcased solutions leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies to address pressing social challenges
Dosilicon Co. has doubled down on Lisuan Technology, a Chinese GPU startup with no revenue but soaring investor attention. The Shanghai firm raised CNY500 million (US$70 million) in new funding, lifting its valuation to CNY4.21 billion
Innolux recently decided to close its fifth-generation fab, while AUO is also implementing a replacement plan. Industry insiders predict that all fifth-generation and below panel fabs in Taiwan will be completely shut down within the next two to three years. Even some sixth- or seventh-generation fabs may face closure after two to three years
Rapidus is preparing to launch its most advanced chip yet, a 2nm process called "2HP," that could put it nearly on par with TSMC's N2 node and significantly ahead of Intel's 18A, according to Wccftech
The Korea Display Industry Association (KDIA) reported that the combined revenue of South Korean panel companies reached US$10 billion in the first quarter of 2025, marking a return to the billion-dollar milestone after three years. This growth was primarily driven by increased demand for high-end OLED panels and customers placing early orders due to concerns over US tariffs
