Semiconductor News 20250816

Main News

1. Trump warns on semiconductor tariffs (up to 300% possible): chip stocks generally fell after Trump announced that he may impose tariffs of up to 300% on semiconductor products produced outside the US. This could be a policy shift with significant implications for the global semiconductor supply chain.
2. U.S. Government Considering Investment in Intel: The Trump administration is reportedly considering acquiring a stake in Intel to strengthen domestic chip manufacturing capacity. Intel shares surged on this report, accelerating moves to promote U.S. manufacturing.
3. SK Hynix Emerges as DRAM Market Leader; Samsung Plunges in Market Share: In the first half of 2025, SK Hynix overtook Samsung as the leading manufacturer in the DRAM market and took the lead in market share. Meanwhile, Samsung’s DRAM market share has reportedly plummeted to 33%, raising expectations for HBM and DDR5 recovery.
4. TSMC to Transition to Advanced CoPoS Packaging, Increase Production in 2028: TSMC is transitioning from CoWoS to CoPoS advanced packaging technology at its Chiayi and US plants in preparation for increased production in 2028. With this move, TSMC intends to enhance its manufacturing capacity for next-generation semiconductors to meet market demand.
5. Intel Targets Apple and Other Customers with 18A Process for Non-X86 SoCs: Intel has demonstrated live that its state-of-the-art 18A process is already ready for Arm-based SoC manufacturing. With this demonstration, Intel aims to expand its foundry business and increase its competitiveness by targeting major fabless companies such as Apple.
6. China’s CXMT Resumes Large-Scale Investment in DDR5 and HBM3 Production: China’s CXMT has resumed large-scale semiconductor investment to expand DDR5 production and accelerate HBM3 shipments. This reflects China’s strong desire to become self-sufficient and strengthen its technological capabilities in the semiconductor sector.
7. U.S.-China AI Chip Trade Friction Intensifies, Rumors of Tracking Devices in Exports: Trade friction between the U.S. and China over AI chips is intensifying. China opposes Nvidia’s H20 chip exports. In addition, reports that the U.S. is secretly installing “location tracking devices” in AI chip exports have heightened tensions between the two countries.
8. AMD Claims “Dominance” in Data Center CPU Market, Ahead of Rivals: AMD CEO Lisa Su stated that the company has established a dominant position in the data center CPU market, similar to NVIDIA’s AI GPUs. She noted that this is forcing Intel and other competitors to catch up to their customers.
9. Applied Materials Lowers Earnings on Chinese Economic Slowdown andTariff Concerns: Applied Materials, a leading semiconductor equipment manufacturer, has issued a warning that its fourth quarter earnings will decline due to a slowing Chinese economy and tariff concerns. This illustrates the interdependence of the global economy and the semiconductor supply chain.
10. Kanto Denka Kogyo Fire Raises Concerns of Disruption to Semiconductor Supply Chain: A fire at the plant of Japanese chemical manufacturer Kanto Denka Kogyo has raised concerns of potential disruption to the semiconductor supply chain. This event highlights the risk of dependence on specific suppliers and the scope of its impact.

News List