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February 23
- Rapidus Semiconductors Faces Tariff Threat from Trump Administration, Eyes Exclusion through IBM Technology
➀ The Trump administration is considering imposing additional tariffs of over 25% on semiconductors and pharmaceuticals, following a 25% tariff on automobiles.
➁ Rapidus Semiconductors aims to mass-produce cutting-edge semiconductors by 2027 and views the US as a key export market.
➂ If the additional tariffs are applied, it could impact their mass production plans.
➃ Rapidus is seeking an exclusion based on the use of IBM technology, arguing it promotes semiconductor production in the US and contributes to the US economy.
November 1
- TSMC to Receive ASML's Next-Gen Chip Machines This Year
➀ TSMC is set to receive the first shipment of the world's most advanced chipmaking machines from ASML.
➁ These high NA EUV lithography machines are the most expensive chipmaking equipment, costing around $350 million each.
➂ TSMC will receive them just months behind U.S. rival Intel.
October 21
- Ceramics and Itochu-backed company develop technology to prevent EV battery fires
➀ Japanese company Kyocera and Itochu Corporation have invested in a US startup that has developed technology to prevent electric vehicle (EV) battery fires.
➁ The technology involves special processing of the battery's core components to avoid short circuits that can lead to fires.
➂ The startup, 24M Technologies, is in collaboration with large material companies and aims to commercialize the technology by 2026.
October 9
- Asia to Remain Center of Chip Industry Despite West's Push: ASML CEO➀ Christophe Fouquet, ASML's president and CEO, discusses the company's commitment to sustainability and the importance of chip production in Asia despite Western efforts to build up production in their own countries. ➁ Fouquet emphasizes the need for Europe and the U.S. to address 'costs and flexibility' to have a global impact. ➂ The article highlights ASML's role in the chip industry and its recent expansion into Europe with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.'s new plant.
September 28
- Taiwan Chipmaker PSMC Abandons Japan Plans After India Deal➀ Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corp. (PSMC) is withdrawing from plans to establish a chip plant in Japan due to financial constraints. ➁ PSMC has communicated its decision to SBI Holding, a Japanese financial services group. ➂ The agreement to build a facility in Miyagi prefecture, northeastern Japan, will be terminated.
September 27
- Canon to Deliver First Nanopatterning Lithography Machine to the US➀ Canon announced the first supply of semiconductor next-generation manufacturing equipment to the US; ➁ The equipment uses 'nanoimprint' technology to draw circuit patterns on wafers; ➂ Canon's equipment is expected to be used for research and development by semiconductor enterprises; ➃ The equipment is compatible with fine line widths required for advanced logic semiconductors; ➄ Canon's equipment has a simple structure and consumes only one-tenth of the power of traditional methods.
September 4
- Japan to Establish Chip Research Center with Intel➀ Japan and Intel are partnering to build a research and development center for advanced semiconductor manufacturing technology. ➁ The facility will feature extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUV) equipment and will be the first in Japan where different industry participants can jointly use EUV equipment. ➂ Manufacturers of equipment and materials will pay a fee to use the facility for prototyping and testing.
August 27
- Four Japanese Companies Among Top 10 in Global Power Semiconductor Market➀ Power semiconductors handle high voltage and large current, used in various products like smartphones and EVs. ➁ The global market for power semiconductors reached $28.3 billion in 2023, with German Infineon leading at 22.8%. ➂ Japanese companies like Mitsubishi Electric and Fuji Electric also hold significant market shares. ➃ There is a growing demand for new materials like silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) to enhance efficiency in EVs and home appliances.
- Disassembling Huawei Phone: Is China's Semiconductor Industry Only 3 Years Behind?➀ China's semiconductor industry is estimated to be only 3 years behind TSMC in terms of technology and production capabilities. ➁ The latest Huawei smartphone, Pura 70 Pro, uses a 7nm processor manufactured by SMIC, which performs similarly to TSMC's 5nm processors. ➂ Despite U.S. export restrictions, China has been steadily improving its semiconductor production technology by procuring non-restricted equipment and focusing on domestic production.
August 22
- Japan's Exports Surge in July Driven by Semiconductors and Automobiles➀ Japan's exports grew for the eighth consecutive month in July, rising 10.3% year-on-year to 9.6 trillion yen, primarily driven by semiconductors and automobiles. ➁ Imports also increased, up 16.6% to 10.2 trillion yen, marking the fourth straight month of growth. ➂ The weak yen has contributed to the increase in export values, enhancing the competitiveness of Japanese products overseas.
- AI-fueled Demand Buoys Semiconductor Market While Legacy Chips Lag➀ The global semiconductor market grew by 18.3% in the second quarter, driven by AI chip demand. ➁ Legacy chip sectors and materials suppliers are experiencing a downturn. ➂ The upswing in the semiconductor market is primarily supported by advanced products, leaving mature sectors behind.
- Konica Minolta's Jiangsu Office Equipment Factory to Cease Production➀ Konica Minolta announced the closure of its Jiangsu factory by the first half of 2025, affecting approximately 1400 employees. ➁ The closure is part of a structural reform to enhance profitability amidst financial struggles from its healthcare business. ➂ The company plans to find buyers for the factory's buildings and land, while its Guangdong factory will continue operations.