Semicon Briefing

Nvidia and AMD are actively pressing the Trump administration to stop new chip export restrictions for China planned in Congress – despite the already existing H200 approval. This shows the growing conflict of interests between US revenue interests of chip companies and the geopolitical containment course against China.

China's largest foundry company SMIC has completed the consolidation of its subsidiary SMIC North for $6.1B, significantly expanding its manufacturing capacity. The deal signals Beijing's determination to build an independent semiconductor base, independent of US export controls.

ON Semiconductor is acquiring Synaptics, a specialist in capacitive touch and human interface components, to strengthen its portfolio for Physical AI applications. The acquisition complements onsemi's Vcore Power IP deal from September 23 and accelerates positioning in the AI edge segment.

IonQ has completed its acquisition of foundry specialist SkyWater and now manufactures quantum wafers entirely in-house – BofA initiates coverage with buy recommendation and $60 price target. Vertical integration is a strategic step for scaling quantum chips without external manufacturing dependency.

ASML has publicly warned against stricter US export controls on its EUV machines, emphasizing that the devices source over 100,000 parts from a network of approximately 2,000 suppliers – restrictions would immediately damage global supply chains. The warning comes simultaneously with the lobbying offensive by Nvidia and AMD, intensifying the debate over the limits of reasonable export controls.

Futurewave Acquisition Corp has announced a SPAC acquisition of Hong Kong-based semiconductor solutions provider Olympian Group for $400M, without a specific closing timeline. The deal underscores sustained investor interest in Asian chip assets despite geopolitical tensions.