The Source – Top 5 News 22nd September 2023

The Source is our latest offering to support our clients and visitors. You can read our Top 5 news for week commencing 18th of September 2023 below.

1. US Stocks Plunge Amid Potential Slowdown in Semiconductor Companies

US stocks tumbled as worries over a semiconductor industry slowdown surfaced, triggered by Taiwan Semiconductor’s order delay. Technology stocks, including the iShares Semiconductor ETF, dropped by over 3%. Simultaneously, a historic strike by United Auto Workers hit the Big 3 automakers for higher wages amid the shift to electric vehicles. Investors now await the Federal Reserve’s meeting, anticipating unchanged interest rates amid easing inflation.

2. TSMC Delays Chip Equipment Orders Amidst Demand Uncertainty, Impacting Suppliers

Taiwan’s TSMC (2330.TW) has instructed major suppliers to postpone the delivery of high-end chipmaking equipment due to growing concerns about customer demand. This move has caused shares in TSMC suppliers, such as ASML (ASML.AS), to decline. While TSMC attributes this delay to cost control, it also reflects the company’s cautious outlook on demand. The suppliers expect the delay to be short-term, but TSMC remains tight-lipped, referring to it as “market rumor.” The affected companies include ASML, which produces essential lithography equipment for high-end chipmaking. ASML’s CEO suggested that the issue would likely be short-term. Consequently, the semiconductor industry faced declines, with major U.S. firms like Applied Materials, KLA Corp, and Lam Research experiencing premarket trading drops. Analysts highlight challenges in various chip segments, such as mobile phones, laptops, industrial, and automotive, despite the enthusiasm for AI chips.

3. Vietnam Eyes Semiconductor Industry Growth, Aims to Join Global Supply Chain

Vietnam is striving to become a significant player in the global semiconductor industry, with the U.S. supporting its growth efforts. The U.S.-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership highlights Vietnam’s potential in the semiconductor sector, with a focus on developing human resources and receiving initial funding. Despite significant growth in chip imports, experts note that Vietnam’s role currently centers on assembly, testing, and packaging, representing a small segment of the semiconductor supply chain.

4. Samsung Aims to Overtake TSMC as Leading Semiconductor Producer, Shifting Global Dynamics

Analysts predict that Samsung Electronics could challenge and potentially surpass Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) as the world’s top semiconductor producer. While TSMC holds a critical position in the global semiconductor supply chain, Samsung’s substantial resources and a focus on next-gen technology could propel it ahead. This shift could have geopolitical implications, as Taiwan’s role as a semiconductor hub plays a key role in Western strategic interests and Taiwan’s sovereignty amid Chinese claims. Samsung’s push to outpace TSMC is part of a changing semiconductor landscape with significant implications for the industry and global politics

5. NSF Invests $45.6 Million in Semiconductors and Workforce Development

The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) has announced a $45.6 million investment in 24 research and education projects aimed at advancing semiconductor technologies, manufacturing, and workforce development. Supported by the NSF Future of Semiconductors (FuSe) program and the “CHIPS and Science Act of 2022,” this initiative fosters collaboration between academia and industry to drive innovation in semiconductor materials, devices, and systems while addressing the need for a skilled semiconductor workforce in the United States.