1. SIA: Global semiconductor sales increased by 15.2% year-on-year in the first quarter
May 9, 2024, According to the latest report from the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA), global semiconductor sales totaled $137.7 billion during the first quarter of 2024, an increase of 15.2% compared to the first quarter of 2023 but 5.7% less than the fourth quarter of 2023. Sales for the month of March 2024 decreased 0.6% compared to February 2024.
2. SMIC warns of growing chip pricing competition in China
Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp. expects its average selling price to fall this quarter as chipmakers increase capacity, raising the alarm about growing price competition in the global market.
3. Murata: MLCC demand is recovering
According to reports, the recent recovery of China’s smartphone market has driven MLCC market demand. From January to March 2024, the overall order volume received by Murata was 410.5 billion yen, a significant increase of 30.8% compared with the same period last year.
Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. said that component shipments for China's smartphone demand are recovering, with demand from low-end models and high-end models from specific customers increasing. In response to order demand, Murata's MLCC factory capacity utilization rate in 2024 is expected to rise to 85% to 90%, higher than the 80% to 85% in the first quarter of 2024.
Murata said that global smartphone demand will increase by 3% annually in 2024, reaching 1.18 billion units. Among them, 5G smartphones are expected to increase by 17% annually, reaching 770 million units; PC demand is estimated to increase by 2% annually, reaching 370 million units. ; Automobile demand is estimated to be flat in 2023, at about 90 million units, but demand for electric vehicles will increase significantly, and is expected to increase significantly by 20% from 2023 to 36 million units.
4. Micron provides LPCAMM2 with LPDDR5X memory for new Lenovo AI workstation
Micron Technology has announced the availability of the Crucial series LPCAMM2, an innovative form factor for next-generation notebook memory that incorporates LPDDR5X mobile memory to enhance the performance of notebooks intended for professionals and creators.
"Lenovo's ThinkPad P1 Gen 7 is the first laptop available in the market that can leverage the newest LPCAMM2 form factor to enable higher performance, faster AI workflows, scalable memory capacity, and improved battery life for mobile workstations and thin and light laptops," said Yasumichi Tsukamoto.
5. SK Hynix Subsidiary in China Reportedly to Sell 49.9% Stock to Local Business
SK Hynix has reportedly decided to sell the subsidiary equipment of its Chinese manufacturing plant to an investment company owned by the Wuxi Municipal Government, leading to speculation that SK Hynix may be withdrawing from its Chinese manufacturing business.