Semiconductor News 20251213

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1. Rapidus Secures Large-Scale Financial Support from Major Japanese Firms and Banks
   Japan’s Rapidus has secured support from major Japanese banks and firms for its project to mass produce 2nm generation semiconductors through large-scale loans and new investments. This move solidifies the financial foundation for the domestic production of next-generation semiconductors and indicates that the establishment of a manufacturing base and technology development to catch up with TSMC, Samsung, and other leading companies will be accelerated under the national support system.
2. TSMC Considering 4nm Conversion of Kumamoto Plant 2 to Meet AI Demand and Suspending Construction
   TSMC has reportedly suspended construction work at its Plant 2 (JASM) in Kumamoto and is considering upgrading its manufacturing process from its original plan to a 4nm process for AI chips. This is in response to a surge in global demand for AI semiconductors, which, if realized, would significantly raise the technology level of chips that can be manufactured in Japan and enhance the company’s ability to supply advanced products to Japanese customers.
3. U.S .-led AI Alliance “Pax Silica ” Launched; Eight Countries, Including Japan and South Korea, Join
   The United States has launched Pax Silica, an AI alliance involving eight countries, including Japan and South Korea, with the aim of maintaining AI technology hegemony and checking China. This framework is designed to strengthen cooperation in areas ranging from securing semiconductor supply networks to developing AI models, and aims to solidify the dominance of Western nations in the global AI development race by deepening technological enclosure and security coordination.
4. China Considers $70 Billion Semiconductor Investment, Largest in History
   The Chinese government is considering the largest-ever investment of approximately $70 billion (over 10 trillion yen) to strengthen its domestic semiconductor industry in response to US sanctions, The government is aiming to build a unique ecosystem that can compete with U.S. companies such as NVIDIA, and is strongly promoting self-sufficiency in manufacturing capacity and technological innovation under the leadership of the government.
5. Samsung Chairman and Musk Meet to Establish Dedicated T esla Workspace in Factory
   Samsung Chairman Lee Jae-yong and Tesla CEO Elon Musk have reportedly met and agreed to provide a dedicated Tesla workspace in the U.S. Tesla plant. This strengthened collaboration, also known as the “Samtae Alliance,” is a sign that Samsung has established itself as a major partner to TSMC in the manufacture of fully automated driving chips and other products, and is deepening its relationship with the big tech company.
6. Intel Tests Manufacturing Equipment from Sanctioned Chinese Companies for 14A
   Intel is reportedly testing and evaluating semiconductor manufacturing equipment (e.g., wet etch equipment) from Chinese companies that are subject to U.S. sanctions for its next-generation 14A process. The move, which may be aimed at reducing costs and securing the supply chain, has caused a stir within the industry, potentially raising political and national security concerns.
7. Samsung Accelerates Expansion of Pyeongtaek Plant for HBM4 and Next-Generation DRAM
   Samsung Electronics is accelerating the expansion of its Pyeongtaek, Korea, plant to increase production capacity for HBM4 (6th generation high-bandwidth memory) and 1c nm process DRAM. To meet the explosive demand for memory from AI data centers, the company’s strategy is to quickly establish a supply structure for next-generation memory and secure market leadership in the face of an increasingly fierce market share battle with SK Hynix.
8. Huawei and SMIC Chips Reach Milestone but Fall Short of TSMC’s 5nm
   An analysis reported that chips developed by Huawei and SMIC have achieved a technological milestone but still lag behind TSMC’s 5nm process technology in terms of performance. China is developing advanced processes without EUV lithography equipment, but yield and efficiency issues remain, highlighting the fact that it will still take time to close the gap with the West’s most advanced technology.
9. Broadcom Doubles Custom Chip Business on Surge in AI Demand; Anthropic Also a Client
   Following record financial results, Broadcom predicted that demand for AI chips will continue to surge. The company’s custom AI chip (ASIC) business has doubled, with AI company Anthropic emerging as a new “mega-client”. This is indicative of the growing base of the AI infrastructure market, as not only hyperscalers but also AI model developers are expanding their own hardware procurement.
10. Apple Plans to Unveil AI Glass with Enhanced Camera and Siri in 2026
    Apple is reportedly planning to unveil its first “AI Glass” with camera capabilities and Siri upgrades in 2026. This is a move to develop the wearable device market as a new platform after smartphones and is part of Apple’s long-term strategy to create new consumer experiences that highly integrate visual information and AI assistants.

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