Japan's exports grew 17% year-on-year in May, exceeding expectations, with significant boosts from car and semiconductor shipments. This growth, driven by demand for AI technology and automotive sales, also saw strong increases in shipments to China and the U.S., though exports to the Middle East declined.
LG Innotek plans to significantly expand its semiconductor substrate business, aiming for 1 trillion won in operating profit by 2031, driven by AI demand. The company unveiled new FC-BGA products for high-performance computing.
台積電在美國遭兩家專利授權公司指控侵犯專利，經濟部智慧局長廖承威表示，台積電已向美國專利商標局提出專利無效宣告，並對台積電的技術研發及智財團隊能力深具信心，認為台積電能證明對方專利無效，進而化解侵權指控。
Italy and Japan are strengthening diplomatic ties, focusing on supply chains and technology cooperation. The leaders aim to reduce reliance on China for critical minerals and boost semiconductor manufacturing through joint ventures.
China's Supreme People's Court upheld a ban on Infineon Technologies selling GaN products, following a patent dispute with domestic rival Innoscience. The ruling caused Chinese semiconductor stocks to surge.
The price of high-purity tungsten hexafluoride has surged over 200% year-on-year to over 1,700 yuan ($251) per kg due to supply bottlenecks and rising demand from the semiconductor industry. Japanese producers Showa Denko Kanto and Central Glass plan production suspensions in July, potentially disrupting supply to major chipmakers like Samsung Electronics.
South Korean and Taiwanese stock markets, driven by AI and semiconductors, have seen significant growth since 2026. This boom has ignited a passion for quick wealth among young investors, with South Korea's 20-30 year olds having a 70% stock account opening rate, surpassing Taiwan's 57%. Both nations' youth are employing leverage, with South Korean youth showing a stronger inclination towards leveraged ETFs and margin trading.
He, head of Huawei's secretive semiconductor business, reappeared after a 2019 hiatus. At a Shanghai symposium, she introduced the "Tau (τ) Scaling Law," which Huawei claims could reach 1.4nm transistor densities by 2031 without EUV lithography, challenging traditional scaling methods.
Indian semiconductor startups are calling on the government for enhanced market access and intellectual property protection. They emphasize the need for procurement support and incentives for electronics makers to adopt local chips to foster growth and maintain domestic ownership amidst significant capital constraints.
Hanmi Semiconductor to acquire $32.9M in SpaceX shares (7.24% equity) before its Nasdaq IPO, citing growth potential in advanced chips and AI, with plans to reinvest returns into its semiconductor business.
SK Telecom and Nvidia partner to build a gigawatt-scale AI cloud and AI factory in South Korea by 2027, leveraging Nvidia's DSX platform for end-to-end AI operations.
The New York Times used a unique quiz format featuring Korean slang and memes to explain the country's semiconductor boom, driven by AI, highlighting its impact on education, real estate, and corporate culture.
South Korea's Presidential Office Policy Chief Kim Yong-beom proposed 'Project Trinity' to make Korea a key AI hub by integrating semiconductors, data centers, and physical AI into a circular structure. He emphasized Korea's unique strengths in manufacturing and semiconductor supply chains to capitalize on global shifts.
President Lee requested favorable consideration from the EU regarding steel tariffs and TRQ acquisition, emphasizing the impact on Korean industries. Discussions also covered semiconductor and defense cooperation, and carbon border adjustment mechanisms.
Woori Asset Management's Semiconductor BIG2 Plus Fund has achieved a remarkable 74.4% return over the past year, outperforming other mixed-bond funds. The fund invests in Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, alongside mid-to-small cap growth stocks, while maintaining a 70% allocation to domestic bonds to mitigate volatility. Its net assets have grown significantly, with a substantial portion of new investments coming from pension funds.
Jeonnam Province is urging Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix to establish semiconductor fabrication plants and advanced packaging facilities in the region, citing its suitability for a semiconductor cluster due to ample power, water, land, and research talent.
Cathie Wood, CEO of ARK Invest, advised investors to continue buying semiconductor stocks in installments, emphasizing a strong conviction in the AI trend lasting for years. She also noted potential investments in Samsung Electronics and Hyundai Motor, and expressed a view that the US Federal Reserve will not raise interest rates this year.
Housing prices in South Korea's southern region, particularly in semiconductor industry hubs like Dongtan, are experiencing a rapid surge. This rise is attributed to expectations of a semiconductor boom driven by AI and significant bonuses for employees at major companies like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, fueling demand for home purchases.
Political parties in South Korea's Honam region are urging Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix to establish semiconductor plants there, citing abundant renewable energy and the need for regional development.
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang's presence at GTC Taipei and COMPUTEX highlighted Taiwan's pivotal role in the AI supply chain, moving beyond chip manufacturing to AI infrastructure and physical AI ecosystems. The article urges Taiwan to become a co-designer rather than just a component supplier to seize future AI opportunities.
Mirae Asset Management announced that its TIGER Semiconductor TOP10 Covered Call Active ETF will distribute 215 won per share for June. This ETF invests in leading domestic semiconductor companies like SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics, utilizing option premiums as a distribution source.
South Korea's exports in early May soared by over 80% year-on-year to a record $28.6 billion, propelled by a massive 205.8% surge in semiconductor exports. All major markets saw increases, contributing to a $5.3 billion trade surplus.
Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are reportedly considering new semiconductor facility investments in the Honam and Chungcheong regions, sparking high expectations in the Jeonnam-Gwangju area. The government is also strongly urging large corporations to invest in the less developed Honam region for balanced national development.
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo agreed to strengthen cooperation in semiconductors and support investment in strategic industries. Discussions with EU leaders also covered security pact negotiations and concerns over EU steel tariffs and carbon border adjustment measures.
