Two big things are now shaping the world of tiny chip parts SoftBank's boss, Masayoshi Son, might start a huge "trillion-dollar" make shop in the US, while US leaders think about making it hard to sell chip-making tools to places in China.
SoftBank's "Project Crystal Land" A Trillion-Dollar Dream for US AI Power
Masayoshi Son, known for his big risk plans, may want to build a giant make spot in the US, called "Project Crystal Land." This big project, which could cost $1 trillion, aims to boost US AI tech and make them less reliant on others for important tech.
- Goal: To make a big US make place, maybe in Arizona, like China's Shenzhen, with a focus on AI, robot people, and making chips.
- Possible Friends: Son might team up with TSMC and NVIDIA for this.
- Why: The project fits with more focus on keeping chip making safe in the US and the race to be top in AI.
- Past Doubts: Son has tried big things before that didn't always happen, making some doubt this new plan. Like a past $200 billion US plan that had issues.
- Talks with the Government: SoftBank is talking to the US leaders about help and money for the Arizona spot.
While details are few, "Project Crystal Land" is a big aim. Still, with TSMC already planning to spend in the US, it's unclear how much they'll join SoftBank in this new idea. Experts say to wait for more sure details.
US May Limit Sales of Chip Tools to China
In another news, US Commerce people at the Bureau for Industry and Security (BIS) are thinking about taking back passes they gave to US chip tool firms. These passes let them sell some tools to chip makers in China without special papers.
Tools like etching and layering machines
- Who It Might Affect: This could hit chip tool firms like Lam Research and KLA Corp.
- China's Makers Hit: Places run by Samsung, TSMC, and SK Hynix in China, mainly doing memory and old tech making, may find it hard to get US tools.
- Why: The possible change, talked about by Under Secretary Jeffrey Kessler, aims to address fears about high-tech going to foes and make the trade game more even, especially with China's hold on rare earth stuff.
- Now: While taking back passes is just a idea, no final choice has been made. A White House person said there's no rush to take them back.
What Could Happen:
- Could make trade talks and ties with places like South Korea and Taiwan hard.
- Some worry that big limits might just push China to grow their own chip tool make better, which is already improving.
Under Secretary Kessler noted that current friend deals with the US have gaps that let foes get better at tech. This shows how tangled national safety, trade rules, and tech wars are in the world chip part.
