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.
Slovakia greenlights €267m aid for Volvo EV plant
Slovakia has secured EU approval for a €267 million investment to support Volvo Cars' new electric vehicle plant in the country. The Commission's decision underscores the EU's focus on fostering both regional economic development and the transition to a net-zero emissions economy.
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.
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.
Power electronics: past to future
The future of power electronics is undergoing a radical transformation driven by cutting-edge materials like Gallium Nitride (GaN) and Silicon Carbide (SiC). These wide-bandgap semiconductors bring game-changing advantages, outperforming traditional silicon and redefining performance benchmarks.
Optimism returns to the US electronics sector
Renewed positivity is sweeping through America's electronics manufacturing sector, marking a sharp turnaround from the pessimism of 2023.
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.
TSMC gears up for 2nm chip dominance
Taiwanese tech giant TSMC is accelerating its push into next-generation chipmaking, with its Baoshan plant set to begin 2nm equipment installation in April. This move signals a major escalation in the advanced chipmaking race as TSMC aims to maintain its technological edge over rivals Samsung and Intel.
IBM bolsters trusted chip supply chain
IBM has secured a significant $576 million contract to shore up the US military's supply of secure and trusted semiconductors, underscoring the escalating focus on technological sovereignty in the sensitive defense sector. According to the report in Military & Aerospace Electronics, the focus is on creating a trusted manufacturing environment within IBM's commercial facilities, where advanced microelectronics can be produced with strict security measures. These safeguards will help prevent tampering, reverse engineering, and other threats to sensitive military technologies.
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.
EV push collides with supply chain realities
The aggressive push for electric vehicles (EVs) in the US is slamming into a harsh reality: critical supply chains controlled by China pose major risks to both the auto industry and consumers, writes Larry Bell, on Newsmax.
US systems open to vulnerabilities via Chinese PCBs, warns former DoD expert
The widespread use of Chinese-made printed circuit boards (PCBs) poses a critical threat to US military systems and essential infrastructure like the power grid, warns former DoD official Al Shaffer in EETimes. These seemingly innocuous components could contain hidden backdoors and kill switches, giving China devastating leverage in a conflict.
US chip push fuels tech war with China
Intel's massive $20 billion US CHIPS Act windfall marks the opening salvo in the US government's bid to revive domestic chipmaking and challenge China's industry dominance. But experts warn that even this unprecedented subsidy won't be enough to ensure America regains its semiconductor crown.
UN report exposes e-waste crisis
The world is accumulating mountains of e-waste. A staggering 62 million tons were generated in 2022 alone – enough to fill over a million heavy-duty trucks. Yet, despite containing billions of dollars' worth of precious metals, only 22% of this toxic tide is properly recycled, reveals a damning new UN report.
Defense sector ramps up amid global rearmament
The world is witnessing a dramatic surge in defense spending as nations scramble to replenish stockpiles and bolster their military capabilities in the face of escalating geopolitical tensions. A new report from GlobalData highlights the immense pressure on global supply chains as countries race to produce the munitions and equipment essential for high-intensity warfare.
Micron foundry sell out from AI-powered demand
Memory chip giant Micron Technology has defied expectations with a strong quarterly profit and an exceptionally bullish forecast, propelled by the insatiable demand for AI-powered technologies. Shares skyrocketed over 16%, potentially setting the stage for a record-breaking close.
China ramps up exclusion on Intel and AMD, impacting TSMC
China is escalating the tech war. New reports in The Financial Times indicate Beijing has ordered state entities to phase out Intel and AMD chips, along with Microsoft’s Windows OS, in favor of domestically produced alternatives. This move underscores a deepening drive for technological self-reliance as tensions with the US soar. The potential impact is […]
Spate of safety issues has airlines under the microscope – Bloomberg
A string of alarming incidents involving United Airlines planes has cast a harsh spotlight on the aerospace industry's safety standards, raising questions about the lingering effects of pandemic-era workforce upheavals. From missing panels and blown tires to emergency landings, Bloomberg reports on a spate of safety issues that have airlines under intense scrutiny. While air travel remains remarkably safe thanks to technological advancements, the recent incidents are a worrying reminder of the industry's inherent risks.