$75 Million Grant to Absolics: Boosting Advanced Chip Packaging in the U.S.

By Michael Stratton

Enhancing U.S. Semiconductor Capabilities The U.S. government has announced a $75 million grant to Absolics, a subsidiary of South Korean glass manufacturer SKC, to develop advanced chip packaging technologies. This investment is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the domestic semiconductor industry and enhance supply chain resilience. The grant underscores the importance of advanced…

ASML’s Strategic Safeguards: Protecting the Semiconductor Supply Chain Amid Geopolitical Tensions

By Michael Stratton

Safeguarding Critical Technology The recent revelations about ASML’s potential implementation of “kill switches” in its semiconductor manufacturing equipment have sparked significant discussion in the tech world. This move is designed to protect sensitive technology from falling into the wrong hands, particularly in the event of a geopolitical crisis, such as a potential Chinese invasion of…

Japan Invests $2.7 Billion in Rapidus: A Strategic Leap in Semiconductor Manufacturing

By Michael Stratton

A Major Investment in Semiconductor Manufacturing In a significant move to bolster its semiconductor industry, Japan has announced a substantial ¥330 billion ($2.7 billion) investment in Rapidus, a leading-edge semiconductor company. This strategic investment highlights Japan’s commitment to strengthening its position in the global semiconductor market and ensuring its technological independence. The development of a…

U.S. Tariff Policies on China: Implications for the Semiconductor and EV Industries

By Michael Stratton

Introduction: A Strategic Shift in U.S. Trade Policy The Biden administration’s recent move to impose tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) and solar products is a significant development with far-reaching implications for the semiconductor and EV industries. This policy shift aims to bolster domestic manufacturing and reduce dependency on Chinese imports, aligning with broader economic…

Supply Chains: Don’t Ignore 2024 Geopolitical Risks

By Logan Wamsley

In many regards, the current state of the electronic component and semiconductor market is quite positive. According to ECIA’s Electronic Component Sales Trend (ECST) released in March, for example, February saw overall electronic component sales move into positive territory for the first time in 21 months on the back of momentum from interconnected, passive, and…