Latest news with #hightech
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
China's Rare Earth Magnet Exports Slump in May, Especially to US
(Bloomberg) -- Supply Lines is a daily newsletter that tracks global trade. Sign up here. Security Concerns Hit Some of the World's 'Most Livable Cities' One Architect's Quest to Save Mumbai's Heritage From Disappearing JFK AirTrain Cuts Fares 50% This Summer to Lure Riders Off Roads NYC Congestion Toll Cuts Manhattan Gridlock by 25%, RPA Reports Taser-Maker Axon Triggers a NIMBY Backlash in its Hometown Chinese exports of rare earth magnets slumped further in May, with shipments to the US showing an especially steep drop due to the trade war with Washington. Rare earth minerals, and the products that use the elements, have been at the center of the dispute since early April, when China imposed export controls in retaliation for punitive tariffs levied on Chinese goods. The two countries have since sought to reset relations, culminating in a meeting in London in early June, which prompted US President Donald Trump to declare that issues around rare earths had been resolved. China accounts for about 90% of the world's rare earth products, most of which are magnets, and whether it allows supplies to flow more freely after the agreement reached in London will be a key focus for governments and markets in the weeks and months to come. Chinese customs data on Friday showed the extent of the impact on supplies of rare earth magnets in particular, an item vital for high-tech industries from carmakers to defense contractors. The controls have affected sales to all countries, with China's total exports roughly halving in April, and then halving again in May, to 1,238 tons. That comes to about $60 million, the lowest-value month in data going back to 2015, barring February 2020 and the onset of the pandemic. The US portion by volume in May was just 46 tons, less than one-tenth of the magnets it imported in March. Other countries including Vietnam, host to a number of Chinese companies, and Germany saw their supplies hold up much better. Those two countries were the top destinations last month, accounting for 19% and 17% of sales, respectively. --With assistance from James Mayger. Ken Griffin on Trump, Harvard and Why Novice Investors Won't Beat the Pros Luxury Counterfeiters Keep Outsmarting the Makers of $10,000 Handbags Is Mark Cuban the Loudmouth Billionaire that Democrats Need for 2028? The US Has More Copper Than China But No Way to Refine All of It Can 'MAMUWT' Be to Musk What 'TACO' Is to Trump? ©2025 Bloomberg L.P.
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
China's Rare Earth Magnet Exports Slump in May, Especially to US
(Bloomberg) -- Supply Lines is a daily newsletter that tracks global trade. Sign up here. Security Concerns Hit Some of the World's 'Most Livable Cities' One Architect's Quest to Save Mumbai's Heritage From Disappearing JFK AirTrain Cuts Fares 50% This Summer to Lure Riders Off Roads NYC Congestion Toll Cuts Manhattan Gridlock by 25%, RPA Reports Taser-Maker Axon Triggers a NIMBY Backlash in its Hometown Chinese exports of rare earth magnets slumped further in May, with shipments to the US showing an especially steep drop due to the trade war with Washington. Rare earth minerals, and the products that use the elements, have been at the center of the dispute since early April, when China imposed export controls in retaliation for punitive tariffs levied on Chinese goods. The two countries have since sought to reset relations, culminating in a meeting in London in early June, which prompted US President Donald Trump to declare that issues around rare earths had been resolved. China accounts for about 90% of the world's rare earth products, most of which are magnets, and whether it allows supplies to flow more freely after the agreement reached in London will be a key focus for governments and markets in the weeks and months to come. Chinese customs data on Friday showed the extent of the impact on supplies of rare earth magnets in particular, an item vital for high-tech industries from carmakers to defense contractors. The controls have affected sales to all countries, with China's total exports roughly halving in April, and then halving again in May, to 1,238 tons. That comes to about $60 million, the lowest-value month in data going back to 2015, barring February 2020 and the onset of the pandemic. The US portion by volume in May was just 46 tons, less than one-tenth of the magnets it imported in March. Other countries including Vietnam, host to a number of Chinese companies, and Germany saw their supplies hold up much better. Those two countries were the top destinations last month, accounting for 19% and 17% of sales, respectively. --With assistance from James Mayger. Ken Griffin on Trump, Harvard and Why Novice Investors Won't Beat the Pros Is Mark Cuban the Loudmouth Billionaire that Democrats Need for 2028? The US Has More Copper Than China But No Way to Refine All of It Can 'MAMUWT' Be to Musk What 'TACO' Is to Trump? Luxury Counterfeiters Keep Outsmarting the Makers of $10,000 Handbags ©2025 Bloomberg L.P.
South China Morning Post
14 hours ago
- Business
- South China Morning Post
SoftBank pitches US$1 trillion US AI, robot hub to TSMC, Trump team, with eyes on Arizona
Son envisions a version of the vast manufacturing hub of China's Shenzhen that would bring back high-tech manufacturing to the US, according to people familiar with the billionaire's thinking. The park may comprise production lines for AI-powered industrial robots, they said, asking not to be named as the plan remains private. SoftBank officials are keen to have the Taiwanese maker of Nvidia 's advanced AI chips play a prominent role in the project, although it's not clear what part Son sees for TSMC, which already plans to invest US$165 billion in the US and has started mass production at its first Arizona factory. Nor is it clear that TSMC would be interested. A person familiar with the chipmaker's thinking said that SoftBank's project has no bearing on TSMC's plans in Phoenix. Shares of SoftBank jumped as much as 2.3 per cent in Tokyo on Friday. TSMC's stock price rose 1.9 per cent in Taipei. Code-named 'Project Crystal Land', the Arizona complex represents the 67-year-old SoftBank chief's most ambitious attempt in a career that's spanned numerous bet-the-house bids, thousands-fold returns and billions of dollars in losses. Son, who's often expressed disappointment in his own legacy, has repeatedly said he means to do everything he can to hurry AI development. TSMC's new plant in Phoenix under construction in January 2023. Photo: Matt Haldane SoftBank officials have spoken with federal and state government officials to discuss possible tax breaks for companies building factories or otherwise investing in the industrial park, including talks with US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, the people said.
Malay Mail
2 days ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Human Resources Ministry to collaborate with Penang on chip design academy, announces skills initiatives
GEORGE TOWN, June 19 — The Human Resources Ministry is collaborating with the Penang state government to further develop a chip design academy aimed at boosting the semiconductor and high-tech sectors in the region. Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong said discussions are ongoing to finalise the partnership. 'This academy will produce more engineers, especially for the semiconductor and high-tech sectors in Penang,' he said during the launch of the northern region National Training Week here today. Sim stressed the importance of equipping the workforce with high-level skills to complement efforts to attract investors to Malaysia and Penang. 'We will announce this after it is finalised by this year,' he said. At a subsequent press conference, Sim noted that the academy is a state project previously announced by Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow. 'We want to collaborate with the state government to further develop skills training programmes in Penang,' he said. Sim also announced a strategic collaboration between HRD Corp and the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) to offer matching grants for companies implementing skills development training for their staff. 'For instance, if a company develops a higher-level course such as a professional diploma, they will receive HRD Corp support in the form of a levy and, simultaneously, a matching grant from NCIA,' he said. This initiative will provide companies with additional resources to create advanced training programmes for their workforce. 'This reflects our commitment to developing a highly skilled workforce, aiming to reach our target of 30 per cent skilled workers by 2030,' he added. Sim also highlighted a special upskilling programme for fishermen and their families in southern Penang Island, approved under the Focused Impact Training Initiative (FITI). 'A total of 420 participants from the community will benefit from this programme, which includes training in fields such as boat driving, site safety supervision, security, and computer applications,' he said. The programme focuses not only on technical skills but also on communication and entrepreneurship. 'The objective is to ensure fishermen are not left behind in economic development resulting from the Silicon Island project,' Sim said, referring to the state's ambitious reclamation and industrialisation effort. The initiative aims to help fishermen transition to higher-impact careers, improve their income, and enhance their socio-economic standing.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Electronic Grade Nitric Acid Market to Reach USD 135.10 Million by 2032, Driven by Semiconductor and EV Battery Industry Growth
Rising miniaturization of electronic components and increased adoption of advanced chip fabrication technologies are fueling demand for ultra-pure nitric acid globally. Austin, June 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Electronic Grade Nitric Acid Market Size was valued at USD 87.80 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 135.10 million by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 5.54% over the forecast period of 2025-2032. Rising Demand from High-Tech Industries Accelerates Adoption of Ultra-Pure Nitric Acid in Semiconductor and Electronics Manufacturing The electronic grade nitric acid market is expanding due to surging demand from the semiconductor and electronics sectors, requiring ultra-pure chemicals. EPA regulations and a record $80 billion in U.S. semiconductor investments in 2023 have driven this trend. Companies like BASF and Honeywell have increased production capacities to meet industry needs. Additionally, growing applications in healthcare and medical devices, along with ongoing research in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, further boost the demand for high-purity nitric acid PDF Sample of Electronic Grade Nitric Acid Market @ The U.S. Electronic Grade Nitric Acid market is valued at USD 13.91 million in 2024, with a market share of 72%. The U.S. Electronic Grade Nitric Acid Market is growing rapidly, supported by heavy investments in semiconductor fabs and renewable energy sectors. Organizations like the Semiconductor Industry Association report increasing demand for ultra-high-purity chemicals, driven by expanding chip production. Companies such as Honeywell and DuPont are scaling production to meet this surge, while stringent EPA regulations ensure quality and environmental safety, fueling market momentum. Key Players: Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corp BASF Kanto Chemical Co., Inc. KMG Electronic Chemicals Dongwoo Fine-Chem Co., Ltd. UBE Corporation Tokuyama Corporation Asia Union Electronic Chemical Corporation Jianghua Microelectronics Materials Co., Ltd. Suzhou Crystal Clear Chemical Co., Ltd. Electronic Grade Nitric Acid Market Report Scope: Report Attributes Details Market Size in 2024 USD 87.80 million Market Size by 2032 USD 135.10 million CAGR CAGR of 5.54% From 2025 to 2032 Base Year 2024 Forecast Period 2025-2032 Historical Data 2021-2023 Report Scope & Coverage Market Size, Segments Analysis, Competitive Landscape, Regional Analysis, DROC & SWOT Analysis, Forecast Outlook Key Drivers • Federal CHIPS Act incentives accelerate domestic high-purity nitric acid production.• Low natural gas prices drive cost-efficiencies for electronic grade nitric acid producers. If You Need Any Customization on Electronic Grade Nitric Acid Market Report, Inquire Now @ By Purity, the Ultra-High Purity (99.9999% and above) Segment dominated the Electronic Grade Nitric Acid Market in 2024 with a 51.6% Market Share. This dominance is largely attributable to the stringent purity requirements of semiconductor manufacturing, where contaminants can severely impact chip performance and yield. Leading semiconductor manufacturers such as Intel and TSMC rely heavily on ultra-high purity nitric acid for wafer cleaning and etching processes. Investments in fabs equipped with advanced lithography and etching tools have further increased demand for this segment. Additionally, advancements in purification technology by chemical producers like BASF have ensured consistent supply at these ultra-high purity levels, consolidating the segment's market leadership. By Application, Semiconductor Application dominated the Electronic Grade Nitric Acid Market in 2024 with a 57.2% Market Share. This dominance is due to the critical role nitric acid plays in wafer cleaning, etching, and surface preparation during semiconductor fabrication. The surge in demand for semiconductors across consumer electronics, automotive electronics, and data centers drives this dominance. The transition toward 5G, AI, and IoT technologies has accelerated chip production, reinforcing the importance of high-purity chemicals. Key industry players such as Applied Materials and Lam Research frequently collaborate with chemical suppliers to ensure nitric acid meets precise electronic grade standards, further supporting the market's semiconductor segment growth. By Region, Asia Pacific dominated the Electronic Grade Nitric Acid Market in 2024, Holding a 44.3% Market Share. Asia Pacific leads the Electronic Grade Nitric Acid Market due to its strong semiconductor manufacturing base in China, Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan. Government initiatives like 'Made in China 2025' and investments in fabs boost local production. Growing solar and LCD panel industries further increase demand. Key chemical producers like Sumitomo and Mitsui have regional facilities, supported by skilled labor and cost advantages, strengthening the region's market dominance. Recent Developments • In November 2024, UBE Corporation announced a 30 % expansion of its high‑purity nitric acid production capacity at the Ube Chemical Factory to meet surging semiconductor industry demand • In March 2024, BASF secured up to USD 75 million from the U.S. DOE in 2024 to develop low-carbon nitric acid production at its Freeport, Texas Full Research Report on Electronic Grade Nitric Acid Market 2025-2032 @ About Us: SNS Insider is one of the leading market research and consulting agencies that dominates the market research industry globally. Our company's aim is to give clients the knowledge they require in order to function in changing circumstances. In order to give you current, accurate market data, consumer insights, and opinions so that you can make decisions with confidence, we employ a variety of techniques, including surveys, video talks, and focus groups around the world. CONTACT: Jagney Dave - Vice President of Client Engagement Phone: +1-315 636 4242 (US) | +44- 20 3290 5010 (UK)
