ELECTRONICS NEWS HIGHLIGHT 02.2025

1. Chip demand skyrockets, India seeks to diversify its supply chain

India’s efforts to establish an electronics manufacturing supply chain, semiconductor imports continue to increase, showing increasing dependence on China. To minimize risks and diversify supply sources, India has taken several strategic actions.

India’s semiconductor imports have surged in recent years, driven by a combination of factors reflecting the country’s rapid technological advancement and growing demand for the products. electronics. The country’s electronics manufacturing industry, especially consumer electronics, automotive electronics and home appliances, has seen significant growth, increasing the demand for semiconductors.

In fiscal 2024, India’s semiconductor imports increased by 18.5% to reach INR 1.71 trillion (about $201.9 billion) with a total of 18.43 billion chips imported. The increase follows a stabilization in the previous two years, with 14.64 billion chips imported in 2023, worth INR 1,297 trillion, and 17.89 billion chips in 2022, worth INR 1,071 trillion.

India is implementing the Semicon India Program, a comprehensive strategy aimed at reducing the country’s dependence on imports. The program includes five domestic semiconductor manufacturing and packaging projects, with a total investment of INR 1.52 trillion. Efforts are aimed at minimizing risks associated with centralized supply chains and increasing India’s self-sufficiency in semiconductor manufacturing.

Additionally, the Indian government is focused on skills development, with more than 25,000 engineering students having been trained through the “Chips to Startups” initiative. Plans are underway to train an additional 85,000 skilled professionals in the semiconductor industry.

Learn more: Chip demand skyrockets, India seeks to diversify its supply chain

ROHM, the world’s leading semiconductor manufacturer, has announced a strategic partnership with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (TSMC) to accelerate the development and mass production of gallium nitride (GaN) power devices. ) for cars.

This collaboration aims to integrate ROHM’s expertise in GaN device development with TSMC’s industry-leading GaN-on-Silicon process technology, addressing the growing demand for high-voltage components and high frequency.

This partnership builds on the long-standing collaboration between ROHM and TSMC in the field of GaN power devices. ROHM has introduced new products in its EcoGaN™ line, leveraging TSMC’s 650V HEMT GaN process.

Takumi Oh, Director of ROHM and Chief Executive Officer said: “GaN devices, capable of operating at high frequencies, are highly anticipated because of their compact size, power efficiency and contribution on achieving a carbon neutral society. Trusted partnerships are essential to realize these advantages in real-world applications. We are excited to partner with TSMC, a leader in advanced manufacturing technologies. Building on this partnership, we will also drive the adoption of GaN power devices in automotive applications by providing user-friendly solutions, including optimized driver ICs to maximize GaN performance.”

Learn more: ROHM and TSMC build strategic partnership in automotive GaN power devices

3. US Government awards $99 million grant to Coherent, SkyWater and X-Fab

The U.S. Department of Commerce announced three preliminary memoranda of understanding (PMTs) under the CHIPS and Science Act, proposing $33 million for Coherent, $16 million for SkyWater Technology Foundry, and $50 million for X- Fab in the form of direct sponsorship.

Coherent: These funds will expand the Sherman, Texas plant, creating the world’s first 150mm indium phosphide (InP) production line to support AI, consumer electronics and medical applications . This investment is expected to create 70 jobs.
SkyWater: Funding will modernize the Bloomington, Minnesota facility, increasing 90nm and 130nm wafer output by approximately 30% and enhancing capabilities to support the Department of Defense. The project is estimated to create an additional 70 jobs.
X-Fab: This investment will upgrade and expand the silicon carbide (SiC) foundry in Lubbock, Texas, the only high-volume SiC foundry in the United States, strengthening the chain’s resilience supply and create 150 jobs.

Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo emphasized that these investments are aimed at strengthening domestic semiconductor production and securing the supply chain.

All three companies also plan to apply for the advanced manufacturing tax credit, which covers 25% of qualified capital expenditures. To date, $19 billion of the expected $36 billion in CHIPS Act incentives have been allocated, with expected creation of more than 125,000 jobs and spurring $450 billion in private investment.