Semiconductor News 20250704

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1. Expansion of Tax Credits for Semiconductor Manufacturing in the U.S.: Legislation passed in the U.S. to expand tax credits for semiconductor manufacturing has increased market winner selection and interest in semiconductor and renewable energy stocks. This is intended to further encourage the construction of semiconductor plants in the U.S.
2. Intel’s Shift in Foundry Strategy and Doubts about 18A: While Intel is focusing on its 14A process to win orders from Apple and NVIDIA, its 18A foundry plans are in doubt, and the company is considering canceling its glass substrate project and sourcing outside sources. This could have a significant impact on the direction of the company’s foundry business.
3. Massive Restructuring and Push for AI Tools at Microsoft’s Games Division: while Microsoft and Xbox are laying off thousands of people, they are also holding a roundtable on AI tools for game developers, suggesting the possibility of AI replacing their work. This represents a major shift in the company’s gaming strategy and organizational structure.
4. U.S . Lifts EDA Tool Export Restrictions to China: The United States has lifted restrictions on the export of semiconductor design software (EDA tools) as part of a trade agreement with China. This marks an important turning point in semiconductor technology trade between the U.S. and China.
5. TSMC ‘s Exit from GaN Wafer Foundry Business: TSMC has decided to exit its GaN wafer foundry business by July 2027 and convert its fabs to advanced packaging applications. This represents a strategic realignment for the company in the power semiconductor area.
6. The Rise of China’s Homegrown GPU/CPU Makers: China’s domestic GPU makers are moving quickly toward multi-billion dollar IPOs and have also announced next-generation CPUs that are not dependent on foreign licensed technology. In doing so, China is making a strong push for self-sufficiency and technological independence in the semiconductor industry.
7. Samsung’s Advanced Fab Construction and Customer Acquisition Challenges: Samsung has resumed construction of its P5 fab in response to the growing AI semiconductor market, but the opening of its Taylor fab in the US may be delayed to 2026 due to struggles in customer acquisition. This illustrates the challenges and opportunities in the advanced process competition.
8. Wolfspeed Bankruptcy and Impact on the SiC Supply Chain: Wolfspeed’s bankruptcy is reportedly not surprising, as the company was behind in product development compared to its Chinese competitors. This will likely lead to a reorganization of the silicon carbide (SiC) power semiconductor supply chain.
9. Power Semiconductors Focus Shifts from EV to AI: The leading role of power semiconductors is shifting from electric vehicles (EVs) to AI, and Renesas is pushing the envelope in development efficiency in this area, with a focus on GaN power semiconductors for AI data centers.
10. Google Fined Massively for Collecting Data from Android: Google is facing a $314.6 million fine for secretly collecting data from idle Android devices. This exposes serious cracks in privacy litigation regarding consent and transparency.

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