Semiconductor News 20251231

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1. Nvidia Accelerates SRAM Shift with $20 Billion Deal with Competitor Groq
   Nvidia has reportedly signed a nearly $20 billion deal (or acquisition) with AI inference chip competitor Groq, strengthening its dominance in the AI ecosystem. This move signals an important shift from traditional memory technology to SRAM, and NPUs such as MediaTek have already jumped on this technology bandwagon, and Nvidia is poised to build a strong “moat” to solidify its dominant market position.
2. Japanese Government to Provide Over 1 Trillion Yen in Additional Support for Domestically Pro duced AI Semiconductor Program
   The Japanese government has decided to provide over 1 trillion yen in new support for the domestically produced AI semiconductor program. This brings the total amount of the related budget to 7 trillion yen. In addition to support for Rapidus, this is a turning point for projects involving Softbank, Hon Hai (Sharp), and others. From the perspective of economic security, the government will strongly encourage the domestic development of AI data centers and manufacturing bases, aiming to restore industrial competitiveness.
3. TSMC Achieves 2nm Technology on Schedule, but Faces Challenges in U.S. and Japan
   TSMC achieved its 2nm process technology milestone at its Kaohsiung plant on schedule, despite the pressure of Chinese military exercises. On the other hand, the Arizona plant in the U.S. is facing bureaucratic procedural hurdles, exposing the difficulties of a return to manufacturing. In addition, the Kumamoto plant in Japan has been analyzed as unlikely to reach 2nm technology before 2028, with shades of progress emerging at each site.
4. Samsung to Increase HBM Production Capacity by 50% in 2026
   Samsung Electronics reportedly plans to increase its HBM (high-bandwidth memory) production capacity by 50% in 2026. The company is particularly focused on the next-generation standard, HBM4, and is poised to meet the surge in AI demand, as DDR5 profitability increases, production capacity is tightening, and memory is becoming a bottleneck in the AI industry, and the company is rushing to expand supply capacity and establish technological leadership.
5. U.S . Eases Restrictions on Samsung and SK Hynix to China
   The U.S. government has reportedly eased restrictions on the export of semiconductor manufacturing equipment to Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix’s Chinese factories. The measures, taken in conjunction with the end of the “verified end user” (VEU) program, have helped the two companies avoid the worst-case scenario, but the risk from annual reviews remains. This is a temporary but important relief for Korean manufacturers’ continued operations in China under the U.S.-China conflict.
6. SoftBank G. Son intensifies offensive with “ All in” bet on AI
   SoftBank Group’s Masayoshi Son has made his “All in” bet on AI clear, with the company trading at a massive ¥48 trillion in value. This strategy has been well received, and the company has reclaimed the top spot in the telecommunications sector in terms of market capitalization for the first time in five years. The company is rapidly accelerating its investment in AI through the acquisition of a U.S. investment fund and deepening collaboration with OpenAI, and has placed AI at the core of the group’s overall growth strategy for 2026.
7. SMIC Takes Full Control of Wafer Subsidiary for $5.8 Billion
   SMIC, China’s largest foundry, has invested approximately $5.8 billion to acquire the remaining shares of its wafer manufacturing subsidiary, making it a wholly owned subsidiary. This involves the purchase of shares from outside shareholders and is intended to speed up management decision-making. This is an important step to strengthen SMIC’s domestic semiconductor manufacturing base in China amid ongoing U.S. sanctions, and to promote integration toward building a unique ecosystem.
8. Nvidia Considers Acquisition of Israel’s AI21 Labs
   Nvidia is reportedly considering the acquisition of Israeli generative AI startup AI21 Labs. The acquisition value could reach up to approximately 470 billion yen. in addition to the large deal with Groq, the company aims to expand its capabilities in software areas such as large-scale language modeling (LLM). it is looking to vertically integrate its AI ecosystem and further solidify its advantage over its competitors.
9. Samsung Rumored to Transition to 2nm at Texas Plant and Supply BMW
   Samsung Electronics is rumored to be planning to transition to a 2nm process at its Texas plant in the U.S., a sign of intensifying chip competition in the continental United States. The company has also decided to supply its Exynos Auto chip for BMW’s iX3 electric car, increasing its presence in the automotive semiconductor field. Furthermore, the company is accelerating its development on many fronts, including the introduction of Nota’s AI optimization technology in its next chip.
10. Taiwan Earthquake Damages Quartz Tubes, Concerns Supply Chain
    The earthquake in Taiwan damaged quartz tubes, a key component of semiconductor factories, and the recovery process of chip production is under scrutiny, although major manufacturers such as TSMC are responding to minimize the impact. While demand for AI infrastructure is boosting exports, the outlook is uncertain.

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