All articles tagged with #chipmaking
China announced export restrictions on a crucial material used in semiconductor manufacturing, prompting protests from Japan and raising concerns about global chip supply chains amid rising tech tensions between the two countries.
Apple expands its Broadcom partnership in a multi-year deal exceeding $30 billion to produce more than 15 billion U.S.-made chips, including a $1.5 billion Fort Collins expansion, with Broadcom set to supply custom ASIC silicon through 2031 to strengthen the domestic chip supply chain.
President Donald Trump announced that Apple will work with Intel to design and manufacture chips in the United States, a potential landmark for Intel’s foundry push and domestic production. While Apple and Intel have not publicly confirmed the specifics, the deal fits into the administration’s drive to bolster U.S. chip supply and follows government backing, including Intel’s 10% stake and about $10 billion planned for U.S. semiconductor facilities. Intel’s progress on its 18A process and ongoing talks with other big buyers like Tesla and Nvidia add context to the potential impact of Apple joining Intel Foundry Services.
The Wall Street Journal reports that Apple and Intel have reached a preliminary agreement to collaborate on manufacturing chips, signaling a potential shift in Apple’s supply chain and leveraging Intel’s fabrication capabilities. Details such as which products would be produced, timelines, and financial terms are not disclosed, and the deal is described as not yet final.
Intel shares jumped about 14% to around $109, reaching a fresh high after a report on Apple’s chipmaking plans boosted sentiment for the semiconductor sector.
Elon Musk aims to build a large US-based Terafab to design and manufacture logic and memory chips for Tesla's robotaxis and Optimus, initially aiming for about 100,000 wafers per month and potentially up to 1 million, to reduce reliance on external suppliers and shield against geopolitics. Analysts warn the project is extraordinarily complex, expensive, and years-long, requiring scarce lithography equipment, highly skilled workers, and substantial funding—potentially $30–$45 billion.
TSMC posted a record Q4 with net income of NT$505.7 billion (~$16 billion) and revenue of $33.7 billion, and CEO C.C. Wei said AI chip demand will persist for years. The company projects about 30% revenue growth in 2026 and plans $52–$56 billion in capital expenditure, backed by checks with cloud providers confirming real demand amid AI-market chatter. The results underscore TSMC’s central role in the AI chip supply chain and come as US-Taiwan trade ties push expansion, including Arizona fabs.
TSMC plans to speed up moving its advanced chipmaking expertise to the US—expanding its Arizona footprint while keeping the most cutting-edge processes in Taiwan. Even with faster transfers, the newest tech would still be moved abroad only after stabilization and would take at least a year. The company is pursuing a record capex this year (over $52 billion) and about $165 billion to build US capacity, with mass production at its second Arizona fab expected in 2027; North American customers now account for roughly 75% of revenue.
Stocks began 2026 with a focus on AI and chipmaking, driven by strong performances in Asian markets and tech giants like Samsung and TSMC, despite historical tendencies for early-year declines; optimism remains about the year's potential, supported by last year's gains and ongoing technological investments.
The US has granted annual licenses to Samsung and SK Hynix to import chip manufacturing equipment to China for 2026, providing temporary relief amid ongoing export restrictions, with the move marking a shift to an annual approval system for such exports.
Amazon is restructuring its AI division, including the departure of its AI chief, to focus on advancing its chips and large language models amid competitive pressures, with new leadership and strategic investments in AI technology.
Substrate, a US startup, claims to have developed a new chipmaking tool using X-ray lithography that can rival ASML's advanced EUV equipment, aiming to reduce costs and boost US competitiveness in semiconductor manufacturing, with potential national security implications.
Intel's Q3 2025 earnings exceeded expectations, driven by strong execution and AI demand, with the company strengthening its strategic partnership with the U.S. government, which now owns a 9.9% stake and has provided significant funding, signaling a shift from subsidies to a deeper industrial and national security alliance.
Intel's stock surged 23% after Nvidia announced a $5 billion investment in Intel and a partnership to develop custom AI and data center products, marking a significant move in the chip industry and boosting Intel's market value and position in AI technology.
The CFO of a company revealed that a deal between Trump and Intel was specifically designed to prevent the sale of a chipmaking unit, highlighting strategic corporate and political considerations.