Semiconductor News 20260304

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1. AI Demand Spikes DRAM Prices, Memory Market Enters Super Cycle
   AI server demand has caused DRAM big-ticket prices to double in a month, with some predicting prices to rise up to 70% in Q2 2026, and Nvidia’s GTC 2026 is expected to accelerate this AI memory is expected to further accelerate this AI memory boom. In response to this super cycle, Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are moving to hire more related talent, and the memory market is entering a period of record revenue growth.
2. Rapidus Raises Funds for Mass Production of 2nm Semiconductors in Partnership with Canon and Others
   Rapidus, a Japanese next-generation semiconductor manufacturer, has successfully raised $1.7 billion in funding and DNP (DNP) has joined to accelerate mass production of 2nm semiconductors through 2027. In addition, we are the first major Japanese customer to announce a partnership with Canon for 2nm image processing chips. With these developments, moves toward the establishment of a manufacturing base and supply chain for Japan’s most advanced logic semiconductors are in full swing.
3. China’s A-Share Semiconductor Companies Raise Prices Simultaneously, Up to 80% Increase in Power Semiconductors
   Several semiconductor companies listed on China’s A-share market have given notice of simultaneous increases in product prices, as AI becomes a key driver and production capacity is strained amid surging downstream demand. The rush to raise prices is particularly noticeable in the power semiconductor sector, where intense upward cost pressure is spilling over into the entire supply chain, with up to 80% price increases reported in some cases.
4. U.S. Government to Ban Procurement of China-Related Chips, Conflict Between Congress and Industry
   The U.S. government is moving to ban the federal government’s procurement of China-related semiconductors. The move is part of a regulatory effort against China for security reasons, but it is also causing a heated confrontation with U.S. industry over strict requirements for new semiconductor security mandates proposed by Congress. The policy goals of de-Chinaizing the supply chain and protecting domestic industry are clearly placing a heavy burden on companies’ practical procurement and cost structures.
5. Former TSMC Executive Under Investigation for Alleged Leakage of Key Semiconductor Technology
   A former executive of Taiwan’s TSMC, the world’s largest foundry, is under investigation for allegedly leaking his company’s core semiconductor technology. The leak of information to Intel and other companies has been discussed, and the case has caused ripples throughout the semiconductor industry as it demonstrates how difficult and important it is to protect cutting-edge manufacturing know-how and trade secrets amid the intensifying competition among companies for technological supremacy.
6. Nvidia and MediaTek accelerate silicon photonics-related investments
   Nvidia has invested in US-based Lumentum to advance AI optical technology, and MediaTek has also invested US$90 million in silicon photonics startup Ayar Labs. TSMC is also leading local procurement of the same technology in Taiwan. semiconductor giants are making a series of huge investments in optical communication technology, which is key to faster data transfer and lower power consumption in AI infrastructure, to take the lead in the next generation.
7. SK Hynix Explores New HBM4 Packaging, Denies Rumors of Japan Expansion
   SK Hynix is exploring the introduction of new HBM4 packaging technology for AI chips that improves performance by narrowing gaps between DRAMs. While accelerating the development of next-generation memory technology, the company has officially denied some rumors that it is moving its memory manufacturing plant to Japan. The company intends to prioritize the establishment of and investment in front-end manufacturing facilities in the U.S. over Japan, clarifying the direction of its global manufacturing strategy.
8. Samsung’s Foundry Profitability Targets Moved Up and Mass Production Delayed at New U.S. Plant
   Samsung Electronics has reportedly moved up the target for its foundry business to become profitable (break-even point) from its initial assumption and set the date for 2026. On the other hand, however, a new plant under construction in Taylor, Texas, U.S.A., is experiencing schedule delays, and the start of mass production is expected to be delayed to 2027. This delay has also raised concerns about the business plans of Tesla, which is expected to be a customer of the plant.
9. Rapid Growth of AI Rewrites Semiconductor Industry M&A Strategies, Hurting Memory Sector
   The rapid development of the AI field is fundamentally rewriting mergers and acquisitions (M&A) strategies in the semiconductor industry. In particular, the memory sector has been the most affected, with industry restructuring and alliances gaining momentum in order to acquire next-generation technologies such as high bandwidth memory (HBM), which is essential for building AI infrastructures. Collaboration among companies to secure technological advantages and to meet new market demands is rapidly advancing.
10. Hokkaido University and others develop lead-free indium bromide crystals with delayed and bicolor luminescence
    A research group led by Hokkaido University and others has announced the development of a new material with delayed and bicolor luminescence properties in lead-free indium bromide crystals. The new material is expected to be applied as a luminescent material with low environmental impact. The development of such new materials in the field of basic research is an important achievement that will contribute to future innovations in semiconductor-related technologies, such as next-generation displays and optoelectronic devices.

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