Shoots of recovery in global semicon manufacturing
The global semiconductor manufacturing industry showed promising signs of recovery in the first quarter of 2024, according to the Semiconductor Manufacturing Monitor (SMM) Report released by SEMI, the Semiconductor Industry Association, in partnership with TechInsights. Electronic sales rose by 1% year-over-year (YoY) in Q1 2024, and are forecast to increase by 5% YoY in Q2 […]
Italy targets semiconductors with $10 billion investment push
Italy is gearing up for a major role in European semiconductor production with Industry Minister Adolfo Urso announcing plans to invest around €10 billion ($10.7 billion) in the sector this year.
Rising obsolescence risks threaten supply chains in the electronics industry
Component obsolescence poses an ever-present and growing threat within the electronics industry. Accelerating innovation shortens component lifecycles, driving more frequent disruptions with costly consequences. Companies must shift from reactive crisis management towards proactive obsolescence strategies to safeguard their supply chains.
Prison for man who sold fake Cisco gear to US military and hospitals
Onur Aksoy, a Florida-based supplier with dual US-Turkish citizenship, has been sentenced to over six years in prison for orchestrating an elaborate scheme that generated hundreds of millions in illicit revenue. Over nearly a decade, Aksoy established a sprawling network of at least 19 companies in the US, supported by approximately 15 Amazon storefronts and 10 eBay storefronts selling counterfeit Cisco networking equipment. His scheme exemplifies the rising sophistication of counterfeiters and the vulnerability of even robust supply chains to infiltration.
Upheaval in DRAM: 15-25% price increase possible
The memory market is experiencing major upheaval under the transformative impact of AI applications. Industry leader SK Hynix reports a staggering 144.3% year-on-year surge in revenue and predicts that this strong demand trajectory will continue. This optimism aligns with predictions from multiple sources that DRAM product prices could rise by 15-25% in the second quarter.
Kremlin ramps up sabotage efforts; electronics supply chains warned of threats
Western intelligence agencies are sounding the alarm over an intensified Russian campaign of sabotage and covert aggression across Europe. Assessments indicate a shift toward more direct and destructive attacks designed to disrupt critical infrastructure, potentially targeting those involved in military or Ukrainian aid.
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US bets heavily on subsidies to rebuild semiconductor industry
The US government is embarking on a historic intervention in the global semiconductor industry. The CHIPS and Science Act has already resulted in major funding for Intel and TSMC, and now Samsung is poised to receive up to $6.4 billion in subsidies to boost its US manufacturing footprint. This unprecedented financial commitment reflects both a desire to secure America's position as a technological leader and growing geopolitical concerns about reliance on overseas suppliers.
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Samsung scores major US Chips Act funding
Samsung has secured a landmark $6.4 billion in funding from the CHIPS and Science Act, fueling its ambitious plans to establish a comprehensive chipmaking hub in Texas. This investment, exceeding $40 billion, will see the creation of new foundries, R&D facilities, and advanced packaging capabilities – a major win for the US semiconductor industry.
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Taiwan earthquake disrupts DRAM market minimally
The recent earthquake in Taiwan caused a brief ripple of uncertainty in the global DRAM market, but its impact has proven remarkably limited. Major producers have swiftly returned to full production, with market analysts at TrendForce estimating less than a 1% reduction in total DRAM output for Q2. This underscores the industry's robust disaster preparedness.
India’s semiconductor sector riding wave of global demand
India's semiconductor industry is experiencing a boom, with a recent wave of global investment focused on tapping into the country's skilled engineering workforce. As geopolitical tensions reshape supply chains, India's talent pool is positioned to become increasingly integral to the global chip industry.
Taiwan chipmakers eye Japan as security, costs rise
The sun is rising again in the semiconductor industry as Taiwanese powerhouses forge a strategic partnership with Japan. This alliance, fueled by geopolitical tensions, escalating production costs, and the search for stability, is set to transform global supply chains and promises a potential renaissance for Japan's chip manufacturing sector.
Memory price hikes loom after Taiwan quake
The recent earthquake in Taiwan continues to be felt throughout the electronics industry, especially the memory market. Major manufacturers like Micron, Samsung Electronics, and SK Hynix have halted publishing contract DRAM prices, a move that signals further price increases are on the horizon. This disruption comes as the industry was already poised for price adjustments to stem ongoing losses.
Semiconductor sales maintain upward momentum
The global semiconductor industry continues its resurgence, with sales in February registering an impressive 16.3% year-over-year increase. This positive trajectory follows a temporary slowdown fueled by the unique post-pandemic economic landscape. Despite a slight month-on-month dip from January's peak, the $46.2 billion in sales underscores the sector's resilience.
Intel shooting for gold in competition for global semiconductor production
Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger is on a mission to bring advanced semiconductor manufacturing back to the West. He’s candid about the risks of the current Asian dominance, stating, “chips are… the most important resources in the world” and emphasising the need to regain control. The worrying picture emerges: only 12% of today’s chips are made […]
Counterfeit chip threat surges, supply status irrelevant, says ERAI
A new report by ERAI reveals the continuing upward trend in counterfeit and nonconforming electronic components, with numbers rising for the second consecutive year. Contrary to common assumptions, the study indicates that active, readily available parts are actively targeted, underscoring the importance of rigorous testing regardless of a chip's supply status.
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