Semiconductor News 20250509

Noted. We will briefly summarize the top 10 most important news items that can be read from the sources provided.

Main News

1. Intel Signs Major Contract with Microsoft for 18A Process: Intel’s foundry business using its leading-edge process technology is making significant progress through securing a contract with Microsoft and discussions with Google and NVIDIA.
2. TSMC Expresses Concern Over Export Controls on AI Chips to China: TSMC said it cannot guarantee that AI chips will make it to China and questioned the effectiveness of export controls.
3. SK Hynix plans to end DDR4 production in Q2 2026: The end of production by major suppliers of DDR4, the standard memory standard, may affect the market supply situation.
4. Exchange rate fluctuations (strong Taiwan dollar) put pressure on profit margins of Taiwanese companies: The appreciation of the Taiwan dollar has negatively impacted the performance of companies such as VIS, a Taiwanese IC distributor and panel manufacturer.
5. Tariff uncertainty affects semiconductor suppliers and product pricing: allegations of cost cutting by TSMC suppliers (later denied), the automotive sector, and even the pricing of the Nintendo Switch 2 have been raised as possible tariff implications.
6. AI Chip Market Expands Beyond Data Centers: In addition to the growth of AI chips for data centers and the cloud, there is also a focus on next-generation wearables and AI PCs, as seen with AP Memory.
7. Memory chip prices rebound and some companies’ earnings improve: there are signs of a market recovery, with Adata posting its highest earnings in 13 months as prices rebound; Phison’s stock price is also rising; and the company’s earnings are up, as the company’s earnings are up in the second half of the year, thanks in part to a rebound in the price of memory chips.
8. Variation in recent performance among major semiconductor companies: AMD reported strong Q1 results, while Arm was overshadowed by a strong quarter but weak guidance and rising costs, and Huahong Semiconductor reported higher revenue but lower net income.
9. Asian countries are advancing their strategies in the semiconductor industry: Malaysia is aiming to become an advanced packaging leader, India is developing its deep-tech structure, and other countries in the supply chain are making progress.
10. Movements toward strategic alliances and restructuring among companies: Denso and ROHM have formed a strategic partnership in the semiconductor field, and the chairman of semiconductor trading company Lester has suggested a major restructuring with overseas peers, indicating the possibility of collaboration and consolidation within the industry.

News List