ComputInsights #30 – Weekly Computing Market Insights

Market Growth 

U.S. Retail Giants Remove Millions of Chinese Electronics Amid FCC Crackdown

Major U.S. online retailers have taken down millions of listings for unauthorised or banned Chinese electronics following pressure from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The move targets products from companies such as Huawei, ZTE, and Hikvision, which are listed on the FCC’s “Covered List” due to national security concerns. The FCC plans to vote later this month to tighten restrictions further, potentially banning even previously authorised equipment containing components from Chinese firms.

M&A and Investments

U.S. and Saudi Arabia Near Semiconductor Export Deal Amid Deepening Tech Ties

The U.S. and Saudi Arabia are finalising an agreement allowing American firms to export advanced semiconductor chips to support the Kingdom’s AI ambitions. The deal, part of Washington’s broader strategy to expand global tech partnerships, aligns with Saudi Arabia’s push to power its new AI company Humain and develop regional data centers by 2026. Despite progress, U.S. officials remain cautious over potential technology leakage to China, as similar export control concerns continue to complicate chip sales to Gulf nations.

Japan Grants ¥536 Billion Subsidy to Boost Micron’s Next-Gen DRAM Expansion in Hiroshima

Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry will provide up to ¥536 billion ($3.63 billion) in subsidies to support Micron Technology’s ¥1.5 trillion ($9.09 billion) expansion of its Hiroshima DRAM factory. The investment aims to enhance Japan’s domestic semiconductor capabilities, strengthen supply chain resilience, and accelerate R&D for AI-driven memory solutions. This move, part of Japan’s wider semiconductor revitalisation strategy, positions Micron to increase production to 40,000 wafers per month by 2030 and reinforces Japan’s role in the global chip race alongside previous subsidies granted to TSMC and Rapidus.

Company-Specific News 

Qualcomm Acquires Arduino, Expanding Into DIY and AI-Enabled IoT Development

Qualcomm has announced the acquisition of Arduino, the Italian open-source electronics platform popular among DIY enthusiasts and educators, for an undisclosed amount. While Arduino will retain its brand and independence, the partnership will integrate Qualcomm’s chip technologies into future products and empower Arduino’s 33 million-strong developer community. Alongside the deal, Arduino launched the Uno Q, a $44 single-board computer powered by Qualcomm’s Dragonwing QRB2210 processor, capable of running Linux and supporting lightweight AI-powered applications.

Samsung to Post Highest Q3 Profit in Three Years as AI Boom Drives Memory Chip Prices

Samsung Electronics is projected to report an operating profit of ₩10.1 trillion ($7.1 billion) for Q3 2025, its strongest quarterly result since 2022, fueled by surging demand for memory chips amid the global AI boom. Prices of DRAM chips jumped more than 170% year-on-year, offsetting weaker sales of Samsung’s delayed HBM3E chips for Nvidia. Analysts expect sentiment toward Samsung to improve further as it secures major AI-related supply deals with OpenAI and Tesla, though risks remain from potential U.S. tariffs and China’s rare earth export controls.

Apple Plans Taiwan Trial Line for Foldable iPhone to Strengthen Supply Chain Resilience

Apple is reportedly setting up a small-scale trial production line in Taiwan to support the development and process validation of its first foldable iPhone. The move aims to mitigate geopolitical risks and accelerate early-stage engineering verification, with Hon Hai (Foxconn) expected to oversee operations. While mass production will remain in China and India, Taiwan’s mature supply chain and stable environment make it an ideal hub for launch-phase trials and technology optimisation, reinforcing Apple’s efforts to diversify and fortify its global manufacturing network.