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US Chip Toolmaker Lam Research to Invest Over $1 Billion in India

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Lam Research (LRCX.O), a U.S.-based chip toolmaker, announced it will invest over 100 billion rupees (approximately $1.2 billion) in India’s Karnataka state, marking a significant contribution to the country’s semiconductor development plans. The announcement was made during an ‘Invest Karnataka’ event on Tuesday, where Lam Research signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB) to formalize the investment.

The Indian government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has been actively working to boost the country’s semiconductor industry, with initiatives such as a $10 billion incentive package aimed at stimulating growth in this sector. India’s semiconductor market is projected to reach $63 billion by 2026, and global chip firms are increasingly investing in the country to strengthen its semiconductor ecosystem and compete with dominant hubs like Taiwan.

India’s IT minister hailed Lam Research’s investment as a “big vote of confidence” in the government’s semiconductor vision and described it as a “milestone” in India’s journey to becoming a significant player in the global chip industry.

Headquartered in Fremont, California, Lam Research develops essential tools for semiconductor manufacturing, focusing on wafer-processing and semiconductor device wiring. Karnataka, home to the IT hub of Bengaluru, plays a major role in India’s economy and is a leading exporter of software, IT services, and manufactured goods.

Netherlands to Expand Export Controls on Semiconductor Equipment

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The Dutch government has announced an expansion of its export controls on advanced semiconductor equipment, effective from April 1. The new measures, which build on restrictions first introduced in 2023 under U.S. pressure, will require companies to seek export licenses for a narrow set of technologies. These include equipment used for measuring and inspecting semiconductor wafers, which play a critical role in the chipmaking process.

Despite the expansion of export controls, Dutch chip equipment company ASML has stated that the new regulations are not expected to affect its business. ASML maintained that the updated rules, which were outlined in the Netherlands’ state legal newspaper, align with previous guidance it issued in December. This guidance followed new restrictions announced by the U.S. government targeting semiconductor exports to China.

The Dutch trade ministry highlighted that such rule adjustments may occur periodically due to ongoing technical developments in the semiconductor industry.

 

Nexperia Parent Wingtech to Sell Electronics Arm Amid Geopolitical Shifts

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Wingtech (600745.SS), the Chinese company that owns European chip maker Nexperia, has announced plans to sell roughly half of its business, focusing more on chipmaking in response to changes in the geopolitical environment. This strategic move follows the company’s recent inclusion on the U.S. government’s “entity list,” which targets firms perceived to aid the Chinese government in acquiring sensitive chipmaking technology.

The sale will involve Wingtech’s “product integration” business, which includes contract manufacturing of smartphones, home appliances, and other electronics. Following the transaction, Wingtech intends to concentrate its efforts on strengthening its semiconductor division and solidifying its position as a leading global player in the power semiconductor sector.

The filing, submitted to the Shanghai Stock Exchange, did not disclose the price of the sale, but it revealed that the business to be sold accounts for between 50% and 60% of Wingtech’s revenues, although it represents no more than half of its total assets. Luxshare Ltd., a Hong Kong-based company that is also the controlling shareholder of Luxshare Precision Industry Co. (002475.SZ), an Apple supplier, will be the buyer of the business.

Nexperia, which Wingtech acquired in 2019, has stated that it does not anticipate any impact on its operations from being placed on the U.S. entity list, though they were not immediately available for comment on the sale.