The National Samsung Electronics Union Initiates First General Strike in Samsung's 55-Year History

On July 1st, Reuters reported that the National Samsung Electronics Union (hereinafter referred to as the "National Samsung Union") announced a general strike due to significant differences in labor negotiations. The union stated that they would continue to advocate for their demands until their requirements for employee compensation and vacation benefits are met. According to reports, the National Samsung Union has approximately 28,000 members, which is about 20% of Samsung Electronics' total workforce. The union demands an additional day of paid annual leave and compensation for union members who did not sign the 2024 salary negotiation contract.

It is reported that the National Samsung Union began salary negotiations in January this year but failed to narrow the differences. With mediation from the Korea Central Labor Commission, the union obtained the legal right to strike and announced the strike on May 29th. On June 7th, the union launched the first strike in Samsung Electronics' 55-year history.

The disputes revolve around two main points: the National Samsung Union believes a 5.1% salary increase is too low and demands an increase to 6.5%. The union also requests that Samsung Electronics adjust the performance bonus measurement standard from economic value-added (post-tax operating net profit minus capital investment) to operating profit, similar to SK Hynix and LG Electronics.

Union chairman Son Woo-mok stated in a YouTube live broadcast: "We announce a nationwide strike today. We will continue to fight with a 'no pay, no work' general strike until our demands are met."

Nvidia Vice President Jankowski to Join Chip Startup Lightmatter as CFO

On July 1st, it was reported by China Financial Information Service that Nvidia Vice President Simona Jankowski will become the Chief Financial Officer of chip startup Lightmatter Inc., which is attempting to become part of the AI computing wave. Jankowski worked at Nvidia for nearly seven years, responsible for investor relations and strategic finance. Before that, she was a long-term chip analyst at Goldman Sachs. Last month, Jankowski announced she would leave Nvidia.

Nvidia to Face Antitrust Charges from French Regulators

On July 1st, the Wall Street Journal, citing informed sources, reported that Nvidia would be accused of violating market competition laws by French antitrust authorities. This makes France the first authority to take action against the company. The report noted that after a raid on the graphics card industry in September last year, France would issue a Statement of Objections. The French raid targeted Nvidia as part of a broader investigation into cloud computing.

The report stated that French regulators mentioned the risk of chip supplier abuse in a report on generative AI competition released last Friday. According to French antitrust regulations, if found in violation of antitrust laws, the company could face fines of up to 10% of its global annual revenue. However, the company could make concessions to avoid fines. Meanwhile, the US Department of Justice is reportedly also leading an investigation into Nvidia, currently sharing oversight of large tech companies with the Federal Trade Commission. As of the deadline, both French authorities and Nvidia declined to comment.

Micron HBM Shipment Gradually Increases in Q3

On July 1st, the Taiwan Economic Daily reported that according to research firm TrendForce, Micron began increasing shipments of high-bandwidth memory (HBM) in the third fiscal quarter due to strong AI momentum. Along with DRAM suppliers increasing the proportion of HBM, DRAM prices are expected to continue rising in Q3, with an increase of about 8% to 13%.

According to Micron's last quarter earnings report, DRAM revenue increased by 13% quarter-on-quarter to $4.7 billion, in line with market expectations. NAND memory revenue grew by 32% to $2.1 billion, exceeding the estimated $1.9 billion. Micron CEO Sanjay Mehrotra stated that the rapidly growing AI demand would boost the group's revenue by more than 50% compared to last quarter. Micron began increasing HBM shipments in the third fiscal quarter, with HBM3E products generating over $100 million in profit during this period. Mehrotra pointed out that next fiscal year HBM annual revenue could reach several billion dollars.

TSMC Acquires Taiwan's Risun Technologies Factory for NT$668 Million

On July 1st, the Taiwan Commercial Times reported that TSMC announced a significant acquisition, signing a contract with Taiwan's Risun Technologies to acquire a factory and related facilities located in Baoshan Township, Hsinchu County, for NT$668 million. TSMC stated that the primary purpose of this acquisition is to expand office space.

According to the announcement, TSMC obtained approximately 2,795.75 square meters of building space. This factory, originally belonging to Risun Technologies, is located in the Hsinchu Science Park, offering a superior geographical position near several existing TSMC facilities. Industry analysts believe this is a strategic layout by TSMC in response to future business growth and talent expansion. As global semiconductor demand continues to rise, TSMC has been continuously expanding capacity and R&D investments in recent years. The additional office space will provide the necessary support for the company's continued development.

Japan's Recent Semiconductor Manufacturing Equipment Exports: 50% Directed to China

On July 1st, China Financial Information Service reported that according to trade statistics from Japan's Ministry of Finance, 50% of semiconductor manufacturing equipment and its components, as well as flat panel display manufacturing equipment exports, were directed to China from January to March. This marks the third consecutive quarter since July to September 2023 that the proportion has exceeded 50%.

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