Baidu Inc. reported a smaller-than-expected revenue drop, alleviating concerns its internet search and artificial intelligence businesses are buckling under fierce competition

SK Hynix is reportedly expanding its production of fifth-generation, 12-layer HBM3E, with Hanmi Semiconductor and ASMPT expected to lead in equipment orders. Hanmi is set for growth in the expanding market, fueled by increased Micron investment in HBM. However, the rise of DeepSeek could create uncertainties in the HBM market, potentially affecting equipment demand

Despite aspirations to become a comprehensive semiconductor powerhouse, South Korea's global semiconductor market share remains at a mere 3%. The government is launching a major initiative to cultivate local talent and foster a thriving ecosystem

Samsung Electronics' semiconductor head Young-Hyun Jun reportedly met with Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang in the US, fueling speculation that Samsung is advancing its bid to supply HBM3E memory. Industry sources suggest the visit signals that Samsung's 8-layer HBM3E could soon pass Nvidia's quality certification

SK Hynix has reportedly appointed Vice President Woong-sun (William) Lee to head its newly established semiconductor packaging facility in the US. His leadership will be closely watched as the company navigates intensifying market competition

Acer CEO Jason Chen confirmed in a UK interview that the company will raise prices on US-bound laptops made in China by 10% next month in response to Trump's tariffs. He also hinted at possible production shifts beyond China, including manufacturing in the US, The Telegraph reported

Apple has scrapped its plans to develop a Micro LED smartwatch in 2024, dealing a blow to the technology's immediate prospects. Yet, the scene at CES 2025 suggests Micro LED remains a hotbed of innovation, with companies pressing ahead on new products and breakthroughs. Apple's retreat may signal challenges, but it hasn't dampened industry momentum

Fujifilm is rapidly expanding its production of semiconductor materials in Kyushu, Japan. In addition to increasing the production capacity of chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) slurries at its factory near TSMC's Kumamoto plant, the company will also expand production of post-CMP cleaners in Oita Prefecture by the spring of 2026

Industry insiders observe that Chinese robotics companies aim to differentiate themselves from American rivals by embracing modularization. Instead of concentrating only on full humanoid robots, they focus on flexible designs, such as splitting the upper and lower body and creating modular parts like dexterous hands to boost adaptability

Despite technological restrictions from the US and its allies, SMIC and Hua Hong Semiconductor remain dedicated to investment and continue to expand their production capacity, highlighting China's resilience and adaptivity

Starting in 2024, Europe and the US have set up trade barriers against imports of battery electric vehicles (BEV) from China. However, Chinese automakers have shifted their export focus, demonstrating resilience and supporting their ambitions for global expansion

Chinese automakers are shifting their export focus from battery electric vehicles (BEV) to plug-in hybrid EVs (PHEV), as they seek to circumvent the trade barriers. But their attempts may fail

General Motors (GM) is closing its Shenyang manufacturing plant in northeastern China, a move that aligns with its broader restructuring strategy to navigate the shifting competitive landscape. The plant, which has been producing Buick GL8 MPVs and Chevrolet Tracker SUVs, is being shut down as part of GM's efforts to streamline operations and counter growing pressure from domestic automakers

SK Hynix has reportedly launched a review of its use of Chinese Electronic Design Automation (EDA) software in response to potential US restrictions targeting Chinese technology in South Korea