According to the SEMI association, which unites more than 2,400 companies involved in the development and production of semiconductor products, the cost of chip manufacturers for the purchase of equipment in the second quarter increased by 5%, and in annual comparison, the increase was an impressive 48%. If a year ago $ 16.77 billion was spent on these needs, then in the second quarter of this year, costs increased by 48% to $ 24.9 billion.

Analysis of Qualcomm's quarterly reports showed that in the period from October last year to June, the company's current production costs increased by 60%, for MediaTek the increase was 64%. The revenues of both companies in this interval grew stronger, and only this allowed them to maintain acceptable business profitability.

Samsung Electronics has not stayed away from this trend, and therefore over the past 12 months has invested approximately $ 238 million in the capital of small South Korean suppliers of materials and equipment to reduce dependence on imports.

Of the nine companies that Samsung has invested in, eight are public and the ninth is considered a division of another public company. In most cases, Samsung became a shareholder in these companies through the issue of new shares, the share of the Korean conglomerate in their capital does not exceed 10%. Directly the companies that received funds from Samsung intend to direct them to development and research.

Examples of activities that Samsung is interested in include the production of industrial gases used in lithography, as well as the production of protective coatings for photo masks or chemicals for etching silicon wafers.

The South Korean authorities are also ready to support domestic producers, the budget for next year provides for an increase in targeted subsidies by 9%

All of them need money, free money.

Monopolization is severe and became worse.

TSMC has confirmed that the mass production of chips using the 3nm process technology will not begin until 2023. This will affect customer product lines. In particular, the iPhone 2022 will be released with 4nm processors.

As reported by Nikkei Asia, citing its own sources, the first customers for 3-nm solutions from TSMC will be jointly Apple and Intel.

TSMC marketing machine also started to make issues.

Samsung still faces hurdles in 3nm GAA process development, they have several technology issues, such as leakage and other crucial issues, in the development of 3nm gate-all-around (GAA) process technology, according to industry sources. Samsung's 3nm GAA process could also be less competitive than TSMC's 3nm FinFET technology in terms of performance and costs

TSMC is poised to raise its quotes including those for advanced sub-7nm process technologies, which will result in more manufacturing costs facing Apple and other major clients, according to industry sources.

Nicer.

Another hikes coming

United Microelectronics (UMC) has notified clients prices for its 28nm and 22nm process manufacturing will be adjusted upward in September, November and January 2022

Samsung Electronics is unlikely to move its 3nm gate-all-around (GAA) FET technology to volume production until 2023.

In reality they have staggering issues with their present best process still.

Apple has been TSMC's largest client, with its chip orders for the iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch continuing to account for more than 20% of the foundry's total wafer revenue, according to industry sources.

Interesting info.

TSMC is on track to move its 3nm process technology to volume production in the second half of 2022 for Apple's devices, either iPhones or Mac computers, according to industry sources.

3nm is the last marketing step before long pause.

Having already raised its quotes for 28nm process technology, TSMC has moved to maintain the prices throughout the second half of this year, according to industry sources.

Criminals.

The Dutch company ASML reported its work in the second quarter of calendar 2021. The world's only manufacturer of advanced lithographic scanners for the production of chips sees a sharp and steady increase in demand for its products.

The speculations and total monopoly helped ASML increase its quarterly revenue and bottom line. Orders for lithographic equipment rose 75% quarter-on-quarter to 8.3 billion euros ($ 9.78 billion), and the company's net profit rose 38% to 1 billion euros ($ 1.17 billion).

ASML is now becoming biggest hurdle on he road of progress.