01. SIA: Global Semiconductor Sales Increase 15.2% Year-to-Year in January
On March 5th, According to the latest report from the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA), global semiconductor industry sales totaled $47.6 billion during the month of January 2024, an increase of 15.2% compared to the January 2023 total of $41.3 billion but a decrease of 2.1% from the December 2023 total of $48.7 billion.
02. TI shifts 6-inch GaN process to 8-inch to reduce costs
On March 6th, According to reports, Texas Instruments is transitioning its gallium nitride on silicon (GaN-on-Si) production process from 6 inches (150mm) to 8 inches (200mm). The strategy aims to increase production capacity and reduce costs.
Industry insiders said that TI's process transformation may lead to a decrease in the price of GaN semiconductors. Switching from a 6-inch production process to an 8-inch process is expected to reduce production costs by more than 10%. If TI shifts its power management integrated circuit (PMIC) production from an 8-inch process to a 12-inch process, it will also promote price reductions in the entire industry.
03. Rumors Suggest Huawei P70 Series Release Delayed to April
Earlier rumors have suggested that the Huawei P70 series smartphones would be unveiled in March. However, according to sources cited by IJIWEI, the P70 series is expected to be delayed until April. It is anticipated to include three models: the P70, P70 Pro, and P70 Art.
04. Nexperia announces completion of sale of its Newport fab to Vishay
On March 8th, Nexperia announced on March 6 that the sale of its Newport facility to Vishay is now complete.
Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. and Nexperia B.V. announced in November 2023 that they have entered into an agreement under which Vishay will acquire Nexperia’s wafer fabrication facilities and operations in Newport, South Wales, United Kingdom.
The 28-acre Newport fab is an automotive-certified 200mm semiconductor fab primarily supplying the automotive market. It is the UK's largest semiconductor manufacturing facility.
05. TSMC to Expand Production with New Facilities Across Taiwan in April
In response to the high demand for AI chips, TSMC has once again initiated a large-scale expansion in northern, central, and southern Taiwan. This expansion includes the first tool-in and the construction of 2-nanometer fabs and advanced packaging plants.
06. Chinese Packaging Giant JCET Group Invests CNY 4.5 Billion to Enter Storage Market
On March 4th, Chinese assembly and testing company, JCET Group (JCET), announced its intention to acquire 80% equity of SanDisk Semiconductor Shanghai Co., Ltd. (SDSS), a subsidiary of Western Digital Corporation (WDC), for USD 624 million in cash. This strategic move aims to expand JCET’s market share in the storage.