WEEKLY NEWS 019

1. SK hynix Surpasses Samsung, DRAM Market Hits Record High

2. U.S. Tariff Uncertainty Threatens Global Semiconductor Market

3. Japan's Semiconductor Equipment Sales Surge for 15 Consecutive Months

4. South Korea’s Semiconductor Exports Hit Record Growth, Boosting Global Trade Recovery

5. Intel Unveils Ambitious 2025 Process Roadmap, Facing Significant Technological Challenges

1. SK hynix Surpasses Samsung, DRAM Market Hits Record High

According to a report by market research firm CFM released on May 6, 2025, the global DRAM market performed better than expected in Q1 2025. This performance was driven by increased demand from AI servers, as well as a recovery in demand for PCs and mobile devices, compounded by some inventory restocking triggered by tariffs. The global DRAM market size grew 42.5% year-on-year, reaching $26.73 billion, but saw a 8.5% decline compared to the previous quarter.

During this period, SK hynix, leveraging its dominance in the High Bandwidth Memory (HBM) sector, ended Samsung’s more than 40-year market leadership, claiming the top spot in the global DRAM market for the first time with a market share of 36.7%.

Comment: In Q1 2025, the global DRAM market grew by 42.5%, with SK hynix surpassing Samsung to take the top spot for the first time in 40 years. This shift could reshape the competitive landscape of the semiconductor industry.

2. U.S. Tariff Uncertainty Threatens Global Semiconductor Market

According to a new report by TechInsights, tariff policy uncertainties are having a significant impact on the global semiconductor market. If the applicable tariff rate is around 10%, the market is expected to reach $777 billion this year and $844 billion next year. However, if the U.S. raises tariffs on China to 30-40%, with global tariffs rising to 20-40%, the market size is expected to shrink to $736 billion this year and $699 billion next year.

In the worst-case scenario, where U.S.-China tariffs exceed 100%, leading to an overall tariff rate above 40%, the semiconductor equipment market will see a more drastic decline. In this case, the market is expected to reach $696 billion this year and $557 billion next year. TechInsights warns that such scenarios will put pressure on the revenues of hyperscale companies, leading to reduced capital expenditure on data centers, with demand for GPUs and HBM expected to decline starting in the second half of the year.

Comment: The uncertainty surrounding U.S. tariffs could significantly shrink the semiconductor market, especially as the U.S.-China trade war intensifies. Hyperscalers will face cost pressures, potentially leading to softening demand for GPUs and HBM in the second half of the year.

3. Japan's Semiconductor Equipment Sales Surge for 15 Consecutive Months

According to data from the Japan Semiconductor Equipment Association, in March 2025, Japan’s semiconductor manufacturing equipment sales reached ¥4.32 trillion, an 18.2% year-on-year increase. This marks the 15th consecutive month of growth, with the sales growth rate remaining above 10% for the past 12 months. Monthly sales have exceeded ¥3 trillion for the past 17 months and exceeded ¥4 trillion for the past five months, with the exception of December 2024, which recorded ¥4.43 trillion, the second-highest figure since the association began tracking sales in 1986.

Comment: Japan’s semiconductor equipment market continues to grow steadily, indicating robust global demand for chip manufacturing. Despite a complex market, steady demand for advanced technologies provides strong momentum for Japan’s semiconductor industry.

4. South Korea's Semiconductor Exports Hit Record Growth, Boosting Global Trade Recovery

According to data from the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy of South Korea, the country’s exports grew by 3.7% year-on-year to $58.21 billion in April 2025, setting a new record for exports in that month. Imports, on the other hand, decreased by 2.7% to $53.32 billion, leading to a trade surplus of $4.88 billion.

Among the key sectors, semiconductor exports saw a remarkable 17.2% year-on-year increase, reaching $11.7 billion, a historic high for the month of April. The strong demand for high-value memory products, such as High Bandwidth Memory (HBM), was a significant driver behind the robust growth in semiconductor shipments.

Comment: In April, South Korea’s semiconductor exports saw strong growth, particularly driven by high-end memory products like HBM. Despite complex global trade conditions, the resilience and growth potential of South Korea’s semiconductor exports remain strong.

5. Intel Unveils Ambitious 2025 Process Roadmap, Facing Significant Technological Challenges

On April 30, 2025, Intel announced its latest process technology roadmap, including nodes such as 18A-P and 14A. CEO Pat Gelsinger confirmed that Intel’s 18A node is expected to ramp up into mass production in the second half of 2025, with the first product based on this node, codenamed Panther Lake, scheduled for release by the end of 2025. Additionally, Intel has already begun producing the early test wafers for the 18A-P process, and its Fab 52 facility in Arizona has completed the first tape-out for the 18A process.

Comment: Intel’s 18A process roadmap promises to shape its market position in the coming years. However, overcoming production and technological challenges will be crucial in determining whether the company can deliver on its ambitious plans.