1. Global semiconductor sales increased by 15.2% year-on-year in January 2024

In January 2024, the global semiconductor industry witnessed a 15.2% year-on-year increase in sales, reaching a total of $476 billion. This data, released by the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) on Monday local time, marks the highest growth rate compared to January 2023, showcasing the industry's robust performance. However, sales declined by 2.1% compared to the previous month, totaling $487 billion.

According to the data released by SIA, China experienced the most significant year-on-year growth in semiconductor sales, reaching 26.6%, followed by the Americas at 20.3%. The Asia-Pacific and other regions saw a growth of 12.8%, while Europe experienced a decline of 1.4%. Japan witnessed the largest decline in sales, at 6.4%.

SIA stated that despite the decline in semiconductor sales in various regions compared to December 2023, the global semiconductor sales at the beginning of 2024 are expected to maintain strong momentum. It is anticipated that sales will continue to grow in the coming months, with the potential for double-digit percentage growth in 2024 compared to 2023.

2. Samsung increases investment in Indian semiconductors and establishes new research institutions

Samsung Semiconductor India Research (SSIR) has established a new research center to meet the company's growing demands and demonstrate its commitment to expanding its operations in India. With 8 production centers and 15 research centers worldwide, the new research center in Bangalore features a modern open-layout design spread across four floors, boasting over 60 meeting rooms, a fully-equipped cafeteria, dedicated nap rooms, recreational areas, and medical facilities.

Currently, SSIR employs approximately 4,500 staff members and plans to add 700 more in the future, including new hires from universities and lateral hires. Balajee Sowrirajan, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Samsung Semiconductor India Research, stated that the establishment of the new research center reflects their commitment to expanding operations in India and creating a dynamic work environment for team members. He emphasized that the new center strengthens SSIR's pivotal position in Samsung Semiconductor's global innovation ecosystem.

3. Memory surges, boosting global IC sales in 2024

In 2024, the global Integrated Circuit (IC) industry is set for significant change, driven by a surge in memory product sales. TechInsights predicts a 24% increase in global IC sales, fueled by tight supply and strong demand for memory products. Consortium Consulting reports a gradual recovery in the storage market, with DRAM industry revenue in Q4 2023 reaching $17.46 billion, up 29.6% quarterly. Companies like Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron have seen revenue growth, especially in server DRAM and DDR5 products. Despite recent market declines, prices are rising, signaling a market rebound. Consortium Consulting expects a 13-18% increase in DRAM contract prices in Q1 2024, led by Mobile DRAM. Original equipment manufacturers plan to continue production cuts to balance supply and demand amid uncertain 2024 demand prospects.

4. The global robot artificial intelligence chipset market value is expected to reach US$866 million by 2028

Since 2022, Google's Transformer RT-1 for robotics has spurred global adoption of GenAI. Companies like Meta, OpenAI, and Toyota are testing various models, while Chinese providers like CloudMinds and OrionStar are integrating their own models. However, GenAI's resource-intensive nature clashes with robots' preference for local processing. Non-GPU suppliers like Qualcomm and Intel offer AI chips for edge robotics. Although humanoid robots from companies like Boston Dynamics and Tesla are gaining traction, widespread adoption is still years away. Industry experts stress the need for efficient GenAI models and rigorous evaluations to advance its use in robots.

5. AI chips more expensive than oil?

In 2023, Nvidia's stock price doubled, making it the third largest US company and fourth globally. By February 2024, its stock had risen over 60%, maintaining its position as the third largest globally. Nvidia's Q4 revenue hit $22.1 billion, up 265% year-on-year, with annual revenue reaching $60.922 billion, up 126%. Data center revenue surged 409%, driven by increased Hopper GPU shipments for AI applications.

AMD also excelled, with its stock price jumping 9.06% to $192.53 on February 29, surpassing $300 billion in market value at $311.088 billion. Its Q4 revenue rose 10% year-on-year to $6.168 billion, with data center revenue up 38% due to increased shipments of EPYC processors and Instinct GPUs for AI and high-performance computing.

Resources:

1. https://www.esmchina.com/news/11552.html

2. https://www.esmchina.com/news/11568.html

3. https://www.esmchina.com/news/11565.html

4. https://www.esmchina.com/marketnews/47948.html

5. https://www.esmchina.com/marketnews/47940.html

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