🔬Semicon Briefing
20. September 2026 · 03:48 Uhr
1ams-OSRAM sells chip division to Infineon for €570 million – completed
ad-hoc-news.de / finanztrends.de Infineon completed the acquisition of ams-OSRAM's analog/mixed-signal sensor portfolio as of July 1, 2026; on September 17, ams-OSRAM confirmed the closure and raised Q3 guidance to €770–870 million. Infineon is thereby strengthening its sensor business, while ams-OSRAM is focusing on photonics and microLED – the stock has risen 130% since the beginning of the year.
2ASML quantum optics deal & realignment through Samsung/TSMC alliances
ad-hoc-news.de In addition to already-known High-NA EUV commitments, ASML closed an additional quantum optics deal that restructures the company's technology roadmap and diversifies its market position beyond classical lithography. Bank of America credits the combination of TSMC, Intel, and Samsung deals as a confidence signal for ASML's long-term roadmap security.
3Apple cooperates with Intel to secure chip production against TSMC saturation
nouvelles-du-monde.com According to reports, Apple is teaming up with Intel to diversify its chip manufacturing and reduce dependence on an increasingly strained TSMC. This is a strategically significant step that directly strengthens Intel's foundry repositioning under CEO Lip-Bu Tan and reorders competition in the advanced-node foundry market.
4Global semiconductor revenue record: +31.4% to $425 billion in Q2 2026
semiengineering.com Omdia reports a record increase in global semiconductor revenue of 31.4% sequentially to $425 billion in the second quarter of 2026, driven by AI demand and rising memory chip prices. The boom is accelerating capacity investments worldwide while simultaneously increasing geopolitical pressure on supply chain security.
5Japan considers purchasing GlobalFoundries US fab with tariff revenue
cryptobriefing.com The Japanese government is reportedly examining the use of tariff revenue to acquire a US fab from GlobalFoundries – a previously unique form of government semiconductor investment that points to a new escalation level in the geopolitical chip race. The transaction would build on existing CHIPS Act funds and significantly expand Japan's strategic manufacturing presence in the US.
6US & Japan secure gallium supply: $174 million investment in Australia
Asia Times The US Department of Defense invested $174 million in a gallium production facility at Alcoa in Australia, jointly with Japan's Sojitz Corporation, in direct response to Chinese export restrictions on semiconductor-critical minerals. The move marks a new phase of decoupling raw materials from China and is strategically significant for the entire semiconductor supply chain.
Lagebild
The semiconductor industry in September 2026 is in a phase of simultaneous technological consolidation and geopolitical realignment: record revenues of $425 billion in Q2 demonstrate AI-driven demand strength, while commitments from all major chipmakers to ASML's High-NA EUV platform cement the technology roadmap for the next decade. At the same time, strategic decoupling from China is escalating to a new level – from chip export controls to gallium supply chain security to active efforts to block Chinese workarounds through Mexico and third countries. Particularly noteworthy is that both Apple (via Intel cooperation) and Japan (via possible GlobalFoundries transaction) are taking unusual paths to secure manufacturing independence – a sign that TSMC capacity constraints and geopolitical risks are forcing the industry toward structural course corrections. The combination of record demand, supply chain fragmentation, and state-directed investments increases the risk of permanent bipolarity in the global chip ecosystem.
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