China is sharpening its focus on the memory chip industry, with DRAM leader Changxin Memory Technologies (CXMT) driving major production expansions and next-generation product development, drawing heightened global scrutiny. While CXMT still lags behind South Korean giants Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix in both technology and capacity, industry observers are watching whether China’s state-backed subsidies can replicate its display industry successes.

Apple’s A-series chips have evolved significantly, with transistor counts rising from 1 billion in the A7 to 20 billion in the A18 Pro. This advancement has driven a transition from the 28nm process used in the A7 to the cutting-edge 3nm node in the A18 Pro, resulting in substantially higher wafer manufacturing costs as semiconductor technology advances.

The memory industry may be ensnared by an oversupply in the first half of 2025, as server demand in China is experiencing a decline, according to industry sources.

Toyota has announced a US$1 million donation toward the upcoming US presidential inauguration, joining American automakers Ford and General Motors in similar commitments. This strategic move reflects Toyota’s efforts to maintain positive relations in the US market amid previous tensions over Mexican manufacturing plans and potential tariffs.