26 Apr 2024 - General

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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17 Apr 2024 - General

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.

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16 Apr 2024 - Defence

China’s complex trade with Russia fuels war effort

China's deepening trade relationship with Russia is proving a major lifeline for Moscow, allowing it to defy Western sanctions and rapidly rebuild its military capabilities following significant losses in Ukraine. US officials warn that China is supplying vital electronics components, drone technology, microchips, and materials crucial for Russia's weapons production, effectively undermining sanctions designed to cripple its war machine.

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12 Apr 2024 - Industrial

Korean chip output surges – largest for 14 years – as AI fuels demand

South Korea's semiconductor industry is roaring back to life. February saw a staggering 65.3% year-on-year increase in output – the most significant jump since 2009. This robust growth signals a resurgence in both the nation's key manufacturing sector and broader global tech demand.

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10 Apr 2024 - Industrial

Taiwan quake disrupts chip supply with likely impact on prices

Taiwan’s recent powerful earthquake continues to send ripples through the global electronics industry. Thankfully major chipmakers like TSMC have escaped the worst, production halts and disruptions will tighten the supply of key components like displays and semiconductors. Analysts warn this could lead to short-term price pressures, particularly in a market already facing tight inventories. The […]

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12 Mar 2024 - Defence

Japan considers UNICORN antenna export to India

Japan is set to further its security partnership with India by considering the export of cutting-edge naval communications antennas. The potential sale of the NORA-50 ‘UNICORN’ antenna would mark just the second export of Japanese defense equipment since restrictions were eased in 2014, demonstrating a significant shift in the country’s defence industry.

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28 Feb 2024 - Defence

Japan: Defence spending fuels rising economic hopes

Japan's recent stock market rally, while buoyed by foreign investment, offers a limited snapshot of the country's economic landscape. The reality is a complex interplay of positive and negative trends, leaving the nation's economic future delicately balanced.

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26 Feb 2024 - General

India’s WTO stance raises concerns for chip industry growth

Developing nations, including India, South Africa, and Indonesia, are expected to oppose extending the moratorium on applying duties on electronic transmissions which has been in place since 1988. The move is opposed by the US and Europe and has caused general alarm within the chip industry, with the World Semiconductor Council (WSC) urging India to reconsider its position.

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23 Feb 2024 - Maritime

Red Sea chaos throws global supply chains into disarray

The global electronics supply chain is facing its biggest challenge in years, with disruptions exceeding even those seen during the pandemic. Houthi militant attacks in the Red Sea are forcing major shipping companies to reroute vessels, causing delays, capacity drops, and impacting companies like Tesla and Volvo.

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19 Feb 2024 - Industrial

Chip giant TSMC doubles down on Japan with second factory

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the world's leading chipmaker, is expanding its presence in Japan with plans to build a second factory. This move comes in response to surging demand and is part of a broader global push to fortify semiconductor supply chains.

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08 Feb 2024 - General

Japan’s semiconductor rebirth: chip fab boom in 2024

The electronics industry in Japan is poised for a significant boost with the anticipated mass production from several new chip fabrication facilities (fabs) across the country. This surge in domestic production is expected to bolster Japan's semiconductor supply chain and enhance its chip-making capabilities.

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05 Feb 2024 - Maritime

Red Sea crisis roils container shipping: businesses brace for impact

The escalating crisis in the Red Sea has sent shockwaves through the container shipping industry, causing prices and disruptions across global trade routes. This presents a significant challenge for electronics manufacturers and buyers who rely on efficient and timely deliveries.

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22 Jan 2024 - General

How Houthi attacks are reshaping global shipping

Is the global shipping industry facing a new challenge in the Red Sea? Recent Houthi rebel attacks in this crucial maritime corridor have raised serious concerns, affecting supply chains and freight costs worldwide, with implications for various sectors, including the electronics industry.

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15 Jan 2024 - General

China’s chip output may double in five years – Barclays analysts

Is the global electronics industry on the cusp of a seismic shift as China embarks on a remarkable expansion of its chip production capacity? Analysis by Barclays reported by Bloomberg reveals that China’s chip manufacturing capacity is expected to more than double within the next 5 to 7 years, surpassing market expectations significantly. The graphic […]

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15 Jan 2024 - General

Taiwan election: Implications for electronics industry

Saturday's Taiwanese presidential election has drawn global attention, particularly in light of its potential impact on the electronics industry and Taiwan's semiconductor sector, a crucial component of the global technology supply chain.

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11 Jan 2024 - General

Taiwan’s election: A tectonic shift for the world’s chips?

Taiwan’s presidential election will be resolved on January 13th with far-reaching implications beyond the island nation’s borders. While domestic politics will take center stage, the vote carries significance for the global electronics industry, a sector heavily reliant on Taiwan’s advanced chipmaking capabilities. The two main contenders present distinct visions for Taiwan’s relationship with China, a […]

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04 Jan 2024 - General

Can Mexico sustain rise in electronics manufacturing?

Is Mexico becoming the next big destination for electronics manufacturing? The consensus among industry experts suggests a resounding ‘yes’. Over recent years, Mexico’s concerted efforts in logistics infrastructure, trade agreements, and manufacturing development are paying dividends, particularly in its ballooning role within U.S. supply chains. Figures published by the US International Trade Commission reveal that […]

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03 Jan 2024 - General

US Senate passes Securing Semiconductor Supply Chains Act

Is the U.S. on the brink of a semiconductor revolution? The U.S. Senate's unanimous passage of the 'Securing Semiconductor Supply Chains Act' indicates a decisive step towards enhancing domestic semiconductor chip manufacturing. This bipartisan legislation, championed by Senators Rick Scott, Gary Peters, Marsha Blackburn, and Jon Tester, aims to strengthen federal efforts in expanding the U.S. semiconductor industry.

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02 Jan 2024 - General

Can India grow its 3% share of global electronics manufacturing?

India is aiming to become a hub for electronics system design and manufacturing. This move may be pivotal for the electronics sector, particularly for semiconductor manufacturing, an area where India currently holds a 3% share of global production, reports The India Times.

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30 Dec 2023 - General

Samsung and SK Hynix boost semiconductor investments

In a significant move for the electronics industry, Samsung and SK Hynix have announced plans to ramp up their investments in semiconductor equipment in 2024. Samsung is set to increase its investment by 25%, reaching approximately 27 trillion won, while SK Hynix plans a dramatic 100% increase from this year's investment, aiming for around 5.3 trillion won (1 trillion South Korean Won is $777,139,650)

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29 Dec 2023 - General

Intel will receive $3.2 billion in Israeli funding to build chip factories

Intel's significant investment in Israel's technology sector marks a momentous occasion, as the company has committed to establishing a new $25 billion chip plant, supported by a $3.2 billion grant from the Israeli government, reports Reuters. This investment represents the largest by a company in Israel and signals a robust vote of confidence in the region's burgeoning tech industry.

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