ComputInsights #25 – Weekly Computing Market Insights

Market Growth 

China Fast-Tracks HBM3 Amid U.S. Sanctions

Huawei has begun testing China’s first HBM3 chips as CXMT accelerates investments in DDR5 and advanced memory production to counter tightened U.S. export controls. With plans to scale HBM capacity to 50,000 wafers monthly by 2026, roughly a quarter of South Korea’s output, CXMT is leveraging China’s vast domestic demand to narrow the technology gap and reinforce Beijing’s drive for semiconductor self-sufficiency.

China Surges Ahead in AI Patents, Narrows Gap in Global Computing Power

China now commands 60% of global AI patents and ranks second worldwide in computing power, according to the National Data Administration, reflecting major gains under its “14th Five-Year Plan.” Backed by 4.55 million 5G base stations, over 1.19 billion HarmonyOS devices, and a fast-growing data economy valued at CNY5.86 trillion (US$821 billion), Beijing is positioning itself to challenge U.S. dominance in AI and next-generation digital infrastructure.

Company-Specific News

Samsung Unveils 115-Inch Micro RGB TV to Redefine Premium Displays

Samsung has launched the world’s first 115-inch micro RGB television, leveraging sub-100-micron RGB LED backlighting and AI-driven image processing to deliver superior brightness, color accuracy, and durability compared to OLED and mini LED rivals. Priced at KRW 44.9 million (US$32,000), the flagship model positions Samsung at the forefront of next-generation premium TVs, though analysts note production costs and internal product overlap remain key challenges.

Taiwan Cement Corp Faces NT$11B Loss After Molicel Battery Plant Fire

Taiwan Cement Corporation (TCC), one of Taiwan’s largest conglomerates transitioning from cement into renewable energy and electric vehicle batteries, suffered an NT$11 billion loss after a fire devastated its Molicel lithium battery plant. The blaze exposed major failures in its NT$3 billion Japanese firefighting system, heightening concerns about lithium battery safety and adding pressure on Taiwan’s ambitions in the global EV supply chain.

Apple Poised for Tariff Exemption as Samsung Faces 25% Levy, Redefining Smartphone Market Dynamics

The Biden administration’s upcoming tariff decision could exempt Apple from a proposed 25% levy on smartphones, thanks to its US$600 billion US investment, while leaving Samsung exposed to steep price hikes that may erode its competitiveness. Analysts warn that if Apple secures exemption while Samsung absorbs the tariff, the global smartphone market could be reshaped, with ripple effects across South Korea’s broader electronics sector.