The Investor’s Guide to China: Tech Hardware and the ‘Chip War’ (#20)
Mar 22, 2023
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Tech hardware expert Terence Tsai joins Catherine Yeung and Marty Dropkin to discuss China's role in the global chip war, semiconductor shortage impacts, AI chatbots in China, and China's advancements in the tech hardware industry.
The 'Chip War' between China and the US will impact global tech hardware industry and consumer goods prices.
Semiconductors shortage during COVID-19 highlighted their crucial role in various household appliances and consumer products.
Deep dives
The Growing Importance of Semiconductors in Our Daily Lives
Semiconductors have become crucial due to the widespread use of technology in various household appliances, leading to a significant impact on consumers' lives. The shortage of chips during the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the essential role of semiconductors in everyday products like cars, gaming consoles, and smartphones.
The Impact of the CHIPS Act on Semiconductor Manufacturing
The CHIPS Act aims to encourage semiconductor manufacturing in the US by reducing the cost difference between producing chips domestically and overseas. This move seeks to address national security concerns and promote reshoring of chip manufacturing to ensure supply chain security.
China's Progress in Semiconductor Innovation and Challenges Ahead
China has made strides in semiconductor manufacturing, particularly in mature technology areas such as analog, power, and IC design. However, the country lags in advanced technologies like leading node logic and foundry operations. China's focus on domestic substitution and expanding semiconductor manufacturing capacity reflects ongoing efforts to catch up in the industry.
Global Winners and Losers in the Semiconductor Trade War
The semiconductor trade war presents opportunities for some countries, such as India focusing on production incentives and the US supporting integrated device manufacturers. However, potential losers could include local startups in Southeast Asia facing talent drain, and leading-edge chip designers grappling with supply chain disruptions and technology restrictions.
Chip shortages at the start of the Covid pandemic threw semiconductors into the limelight. More recently, chips have been the focus of trade tensions between China and the US. Now, as China reopens and supply chains adjust, how will the ‘Chip War’ affect the future of the global tech hardware industry, and ultimately the prices of thousands of types of consumer goods?
In this episode, Catherine Yeung, Investment Director, and Marty Dropkin, Head of Equities, Asia Pacific, are joined by Terence Tsai, Analyst and Portfolio Manager, and Tina Tian, Portfolio Manager, as they discuss China's evolving role in the global tech hardware supply chain, the effects of the ‘Chip War’ with US, and what it all means for the economy and investors.
With additional contributions from Miya Huang, Innovation Intelligence Lead in Dalian; Zaf Tiu, Research Associate in Singapore; Chandrasekhar Sridhar, Analyst & NDA in Mumbai; Vivian Pai, Fund Manager, Taipei; Jonathan Tseng, Equity Research Analyst, London; and Vivian Wang, Investment Analyst in Hong Kong.