Semicon Briefing

TSMC has raised its US investment volume to $265B; Washington explicitly links tariff relief to investment commitments for American chip manufacturing. New dimension compared to known CHIPS Act subsidies: tariffs are now being used as an active pressure instrument, not just funding.

The US is developing a new rule to close the remaining export loophole for AI chips to China – in parallel, Congress is discussing a nationwide ban on semiconductor manufacturing equipment (Match Act) instead of case-by-case approvals. The move significantly increases pressure on ASML, Applied Materials, and all equipment suppliers with China exposure.

China's top economic planning body announced that the domestic semiconductor supply chain has become "significantly safer" – 35% of chip equipment is now sourced locally, though critical components such as vacuum valves and RF power remain 80% import-dependent. This is the strongest official statement on self-sufficiency to date and marks a political milestone in tech war escalation.

Apple is negotiating with the US government for permission to source memory chips from Chinese manufacturer CXMT to diversify cost risks from rising memory prices. Polymarket sees the deal at 43% probability – a precedent that could fundamentally strain US export control policy and relations with Samsung/SK Hynix.

Solstice (Honeywell chemistry spinoff) has unexpectedly terminated the planned $14.5B acquisition of Element Solutions, a key supplier of semiconductor process chemicals. The move deprives the chip industry of significant vertical consolidation in the chemicals segment and raises questions about M&A financing feasibility in this interest rate environment.

IBM has completed its acquisition of HRL Laboratories, strengthening its capabilities in quantum computing and advanced semiconductor technology. The deal positions IBM as a serious competitor in the post-CMOS era and complements ongoing investments in 2nm manufacturing.