S. Korean chipmakers take watchful eyes on rise of TSMC
SEOUL, June 20 (Yonhap) -- South Korean chipmakers are paying closer attention to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), a leading foundry chipmaker that has won a series of major deals to solidity its presence, industry watchers said Tuesday.
Earlier this month, TSMC was tapped to produce 7-nanometer chips for MediaTek, the world's No. 2 player in the smartphone AP sector. U.S. Qualcomm also earlier decided to have TSMC produce its 7-nano Snapdragon AP, sources said.
The foundry business refers to making chip designs for other companies that do not have a semiconductor fabrication plant.
Amid the rise of TSMC, the Taiwanese government also recently vowed to invest US$132 million over the next four years in its chip industry.
"While TSMC continued to stand as the top player in the foundry sector, it is working to further solidify its lead," an industry watcher said. "It is inevitable for South Korean firms, such as Samsung Electronics Co. and Dongbu HiTek Co., to experience an impact to some extent."
Last month, Samsung opened a new department under its chip division focusing on the foundry business, as part of its efforts to expand its market presence in the sector.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)
-
S. Korea to resume issuing short-term travel visas, e-visas next month
-
Ateez to drop new Japanese EP next week
-
(2nd LD) N. Korea still unresponsive to S. Korea's outreach for talks on COVID-19: official
-
(LEAD) At least 8 injured in S-Oil refinery explosion in Ulsan: firefighters
-
Hyundai Motor to invest US$5 bln in U.S. for robotics, autonomous driving development
-
S. Korea to resume issuing short-term travel visas, e-visas next month
-
(5th LD) Yoon, Biden agree to expand joint military exercises to cope with N.K. threats
-
(LEAD) Yoon, PPP lawmakers travel to Gwangju en masse to commemorate 1980 democracy uprising
-
(LEAD) At least 8 injured in S-Oil refinery explosion in Ulsan: firefighters
-
(LEAD) Biden set to arrive in S. Korea for first summit with Yoon
-
Biden says he and Yoon 'married up'
-
With historic Golden Boot, Son Heung-min cements case as greatest S. Korean footballer ever
-
Chinese people purchase nearly 7,000 buildings in S. Korea in 2021
-
Military develops new helmet capable of stopping stronger pistol rounds
-
Agencies remain silent as V of BTS, BLACKPINK's Jennie rumored to be dating