1. Micron Expects 4-6% Quarterly DRAM Supply Impact Post Taiwan Earthquake
Memory manufacturer Micron Technology stated on April 11 that the earthquake in Taiwan on April 3 has impacted its DRAM supply, estimated to be between 4-6% (mid-single digit percentage).
Micron emphasized in an 8-K filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that the earthquake did not cause permanent damage to its facilities, infrastructure, or equipment, and will not have a long-term effect on DRAM supply.
Micron noted that as of now, DRAM production post-earthquake has not fully recovered, but progress in facility restoration is promising thanks to efforts by the Taiwan team.
2. IC distributors see industrial and automotive chip inventory adjustments continue
Inventory adjustments for industrial and automotive chips are still in progress, while those for other applications have returned to normal levels, according to sources at IC distributors.
3. Renesas restarts shuttered plant to meet power chip demand
April 12, 2024 ― Renesas Electronics Corporation (“Renesas”), a premier supplier of advanced semiconductor solutions, today announced that it has started operations at its Kofu Factory, located in Kai City, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan. Renesas aims to boost its production capacity of power semiconductors in anticipation of the growing demand in electric vehicles (EVs). To celebrate this milestone, Renesas held an opening ceremony on April 11 with local government officials and partner companies in attendance.
4. Huawei Reportedly Establishing Extensive Chip Equipment R&D Center in Shanghai
According to a report from Nikkei Asia, Chinese tech giant Huawei is building a semiconductor equipment research and development center in Shanghai to navigate U.S. export controls and strengthen its chip supply chain.
5. Apple Reportedly Doubles iPhone Production in India
In a bid to reduce dependence on China, Apple significantly expanded its production volume in India, doubling iPhone production last year. Foxconn, which holds the largest share in iPhone assembly, accounted for a substantial 67% of this increased production.