China is sharpening its focus on the memory chip industry, with DRAM leader Changxin Memory Technologies (CXMT) driving major production expansions and next-generation product development, drawing heightened global scrutiny. While CXMT still lags behind South Korean giants Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix in both technology and capacity, industry observers are watching whether China's state-backed subsidies can replicate its display industry successes
The US Department of Defense (DoD) has added Tencent Holdings, Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL), and ChangXin Memory Technologies (CXMT) to its blacklist of entities allegedly tied to the Chinese military. This annual update to the Section 1260H list now includes 134 companies, as published on the Federal Register's website
Toyota has announced a US$1 million donation toward the upcoming US presidential inauguration, joining American automakers Ford and General Motors in similar commitments. This strategic move reflects Toyota's efforts to maintain positive relations in the US market amid previous tensions over Mexican manufacturing plans and potential tariffs
SK Group, South Korea's second-largest conglomerate, will demonstrate its latest artificial intelligence (AI) technologies at CES 2025, with Chairman Choi Tae-won and key executives attending to strengthen AI partnerships with global industry leaders
A Chinese-owned freighter registered in Cameroon has drawn scrutiny for severing an undersea cable off the coast of northern Taiwan near Keelung Harbor. This latest disruption underscores the growing vulnerabilities in Taiwan's critical infrastructure as tensions with China continue to escalate
The US Department of Defense (DoD) has classified Tencent Holdings and other Chinese companies as "Chinese military companies operating in the United States." According to a federal register filing from the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense (OUSD) for Acquisition and Sustainment, the designation seeks to identify entities allegedly tied to or supporting the Chinese military. Although this designation does not directly impose sanctions, it discourages US firms from engaging with the listed companies, as noted by Bloomberg
After launching substantial subsidies for household appliances in the second half of 2024, Chinese officials recently announced a broadening of such subsidies to include computing, communications, and consumer products, such as smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches, to strengthen domestic demand, thereby boosting related IC demand
Japanese manufacturer Ibiden has established itself as a dominant player in the IC substrate market for AI chips, driven by Nvidia's strong demand for these substrates. Ibiden emphasized its commitment to maintaining the long-term partnership it has built with Intel
Mini LED backlight televisions are gaining momentum in China, with penetration rates exceeding 10%. These TVs have emerged as standout products under China's "trade-in" subsidy program, propelled by production cost reductions that have broadened their appeal in the mid-range market. Hisense has solidified its leadership position, benefiting from this growing trend
JASM, TSMC's majority-owned subsidiary, began production at its first wafer fab in Kikuyo, Kumamoto Prefecture, in December 2024. The fab produces 12/16nm and 22/28nm mature-node chips, representing Japan's most advanced logic IC technology. Industry analysts note that current economic conditions may limit initial production capacity
The global automotive sector faces unprecedented challenges as 2024 witnessed a wave of unexpected resignations among top executives at major automakers and Tier 1 suppliers, with many breaking their contracts prematurely. Their successors have adopted notably cautious positions, contributing significantly to declining auto inventories
South Korea's semiconductor industry is rapidly diversifying its export destinations away from China, with Taiwan and the US emerging as increasingly important markets amid ongoing US-China trade tensions
Samsung Electronics' packaging R&D chief J. C. Lin has recently resigned after a two-year tenure. Following the development, reports have emerged that Chinese semiconductor firms are already pursuing his recruitment
The Ministry of Commerce of China has announced its export control list of American enterprises, including compound semiconductor manufacturer Intelligent Epitaxy Technology (IntelliEPI). In response, IntelliEPI stated that while the ban was just issued, they are currently assessing its impact. The company emphasized that its supply chain has been diversified with multiple suppliers over time to reduce risks, and they are developing relevant countermeasures
