InfoAnda - Taiwan's once-world beating memory chip makers face tough times

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

Samsung hits 3 million Galaxy S U.S. shipments | 9 November 2010
Three Americans die in Shanghai plane crash: officials | 29 November 2009
US army mulls war crimes charges over Afghan killings | 28 September 2010

Fewer holiday gifts but more cheer in US, poll | 29 October 2009

">Forum Views () ">Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : Taiwan's once-world beating memory chip makers face tough times

Navigation Primary Navigation Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular Secondary Navigation Singapore Asia Pacific World Search Search: Taiwan's once-world beating memory chip makers face tough times AFP - 58 minutes ago TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's pivotal memory chip industry is facing tough times as international demand for high-tech products plunges in the midst of the deepening downturn gripping the global economy. Long regarded as one of the island's two major information technology pillars, the island's manufacturers of dynamic random access memory (DRAM) chips recently reached out to the government for bailout funds. "All of them have cut production as well as salaries and forced staff to take unpaid leave," said an analyst of Mega International Investment Services, who asked not to be named. Frank Huang, chairman of Taiwan's leading DRAM maker, Powerchip Semiconductor Corp, said his company is tackling its "biggest ever challenges". The island's makers of liquid crystal display (LCD) products are also being severely hammered by the decline in demand. In the nine months to September, the island's four major DRAM makers jointly booked a record net loss of more than 90 billion Taiwan dollars (2.74 billion US), with a full-year loss surging to 120 billion Taiwan dollars, industry figures show. Analysts say there is no light at the end of the tunnel as DRAM prices are falling far below production costs -- so the more producers sell, the greater their debt. The most vulnerable among them is cash-strapped ProMOS Technologies Inc, which has 11.1 billion Taiwan dollars worth of overseas convertible bonds due on February 14. Rival Powerchip is in no better shape, with 15 billion Taiwan dollars in loans and convertible bonds due in the first half of this year. Taiwan's Premier Liu Chao-shiuan said last month the government would assist local DRAM makers, though he gave no details of a bailout plan. He did however detail concerns about the lack of core technology owned by local DRAM makers, the main reason cited for not providing bailout funds. ProMos, for instance, first acquired production technology from Germany's Qimonda and since 2005 has transferred the advanced 90 and 70 nanometre production technologies from South Korea's Hynix. Powerchip and Nanya Technology Corp have separately transferred technologies from Japan's Elpida and Micron of the United States. Nanya and Micron have also operated a joint venture called Inotera Memories. Unlike their bigger competitors Samsung Electronics, Hynix Semiconductor, Elpida and Micron Technology Inc, which also produce the higher-priced NAND flash memories and mobile telecommunication memories, Taiwanese DRAM makers have been focusing on low-priced commodity DRAMs for computers. Taiwan's DRAM chip makers booked healthy profits from 2004-06 on the back of strong global demand and a shortage of supplies in the industry cycle begun in 2000, when chip makers were slashing capital investment. The cycle began its downturn in 2007 when global supplies of memories chips surged by nearly 90 percent but demand grew only 70 percent. The subsequent oversupply was aggravated last year as the world's DRAM makers refused until recently to cut output for fear of losing market share. Samsung remained the global DRAM industry leader, grabbing a comfortable 30.7 percent of world market share as of the third quarter of 2007. Hynix came in second with 18.6 percent, Elpida with 15.3 percent, Micron with 11.2 percent, Qimonda with 8.7 percent. Taiwan's Powerchip, ProMOS and Nanya together took 11.7 percent, government figures show. Despite a lack of core technology, Taiwanese DRAM makers had built their fast-increasing capacity on huge loans. "Taiwan DRAM makers operated well in the good times but when the rare bad times, like now, start to bite, it is too much for them," the Mega International analyst said. Some industry observers argue that the sector is more than just the much-touted "pride of Taiwan". Local creditor banks, they say, would be crippled if the sector collapsed, and more than 20,000 jobs would be lost. Should that happen, Taiwan's microchip testing and packaging industry -- as well as its giant notebook computer sector, the biggest in the world -- would also be in deep trouble, they warn. DRAMs are used comprehensively in products ranging from cars and home appliances to computers and cell phones. "Taiwan cannot afford to lose the DRAM industry," said Chen Ching-wen, president of the Topology Research Institute in Taipei. Local DRAM makers' combined outstanding loans total 420 billion Taiwan dollars, according to government statistics. While the Taiwanese government is drafting ways to assist the DRAM industry, senior executives of Elpida, Micron and ProMOS have recently been visiting the island's economic ministry in hopes of securing their future. Email Story IM Story Printable View Blog This Recommend this article Average (0 votes) Sign in to recommend this article » Most Recommended Stories » Related Articles: China's Economy China electronics retailer GOME appoints new chairmanReuters - 46 minutes ago Taiwan's once-world beating memory chip makers face tough timesAFP - 1 hour 1 minute ago China's Industrial Bank 2008 profit rises 32 pctReuters - 1 hour 53 minutes ago Israel's El Al chops fuel charges, fares as oil sinksReuters - Monday, January 19 Related Articles: Business Australia merchandise imports fell 3.8 pct in DecReuters - 27 minutes ago Report: New York to lead US cities in job lossesAP - 28 minutes ago US-BUSINESS SummaryReuters - 45 minutes ago China electronics retailer GOME appoints new chairmanReuters - 46 minutes ago Seoul shares open up led by techs; LG Display upReuters - 47 minutes ago Enlarge Photo Taiwan's once-world beating memory chip makers face tough times Related Photos Slideshow Full Photo Coverage: Business & Economy Related Full Coverage China Economy china economy All Full Coverage Most Popular – Business Viewed Zimbabwe unveils $100 trillion banknote 'Dogs don't wear condoms,' says Baywatch star Anderson Hamas announces one-week truce after Israel ceasefire All aboard, as Obama takes slow train to power Hormone drives sexy women to infidelity, says study View Complete List » Search: Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular

Other News on Monday, 19 January 2009
Israel forces start Gaza withdrawal
Suicide bomber kills campaign manager in Iraq
Merkel's CDU trounces SPD in state election: exit poll
Gaza truce takes hold; Israeli pullout begins
North Korea says plutonium weaponized and off-limits | International |
French army helicopter crashes, eight dead or missing
Israelis begin gradual Gaza pullout: army
Obama raring to go as historic inauguration looms
Afghanistan held back by weak leadership: NATO | International |
Al Qaeda threatens German soldiers in web video | International |
China reports two new cases of bird flu, one dead | International |
Suicide bomber kills deputy head of Iraq Sunni party | International |
Thousands at risk as Darfur fighters prepare attack: U.N. | International |
China reports second bird flu death this month
Philippine celebrity maid fights abuses with songs
Palm oil frenzy threatens to wipe out orangutans
Needy residents get help ahead of Budget measures
Celebration and solemnity as Obama nears inauguration
Indian Muslim groups have role to play in tough economic times
Obama's speech will call for new era of responsibility: aides
Singapore government may dip into reserves
Democrats Say They Want Criminal Probes Into Bush Administration
Explosion at fuel depot in Indonesian capital
Convicted Murderer Escapes From Maryland Prison
Yachting: Volvo Ocean Race boats leave Singapore for China
Hedge Fund Manager Disappears With Millions In Clients' Money
Fann Wong, Christopher Lee witness 20 couples renew their wedding vows
South West CDC promotes cost—saving eco—projects among households
Mariah Carey goes from Glitter to grim at Sundance | Entertainment |
Kevin James is top Cop with box office hit | Entertainment |
Gisele comes home to strut Sao Paulo Fashion Week
Kevin James is top "Cop" with box office hit
Sundance doc wants people to know 'it's Cazale'
Mariah Carey goes from "Glitter" to grim at Sundance
Hamas and Israel hold fire as Gazans reel at war's toll
Hamas and Israel hold fire as Gazans reel at war's toll | International |
Egypt summit ups pressure on Israel to quit Gaza
Britain to unveil second bank bailout package
Denmark agrees on 13.4-bln-euro line of credit to banks: govt
'Overwhelming emotion' at star-studded inaugural concert
Faulty gene condemns millions in India to heart disease: study
China's civil service exam cheaters go high-tech | International |
US military deaths in Iraq war at 4,228
Singapore considers tapping reserves amid recession-report
US Airways jet black box points to bird collision
Pakistan: Destroyed girls' schools to reopen soon
US Air flight recorders indicate bird collision: officials
NKorea set to test Obama's resolve: analysts
Obama urges national struggle as inauguration looms
Seoul shares open up led by techs; LG Display up
Taiwan's once-world beating memory chip makers face tough times
Sundance gives rise to star documentaries | Entertainment |
Inaugural party on TV: serious with bit of goofy
Obamas, Bidens enjoy Lincoln Memorial concert
Sundance gives rise to star documentaries
Shackleton team descendants reach the South Pole
'Overwhelming emotion' at star-studded Obama inaugural concert
French honour for folk singer Donovan, countertenor Jaroussky
Big bucks keep North American box office busy
With economy, no campaign, TV news eyes challenges
Afghans not expecting much change under Obama
South Korea's Lee names hardliner to North post | International |
Change.gov coming to the White House
Merkel kicks off re-election year facing wounded SPD
Church roof collapse kills at least seven Brazil | International |
Obama to honor Martin Luther King ahead of inauguration
Regional leaders resume push to end Zimbabwe crisis | International |
Cardinals, Steelers book Super Bowl showdown
O'Sullivan captures fourth British Masters snooker title
Riots expose roots of anger on EU's edges | International |
Further custody extension for Mumbai attacker: police
Obama urges national struggle as inauguration looms
Russia devalues rouble for sixth time in 2009
Interpol alert over multi-million-dollar Singapore theft
Oil in narrow trading range in Asia
Sri Lankan military battles rebels in north
Cheaters use spy gear on China's civil service exam: state media
Sri Lanka's most wanted Tiger running out of options
3 Indonesian robbers killed in Malaysia shootout
Thai PM holds talks on migrant abuse allegations
Sluggish economy won't cramp fitness in Asia-survey
China to mark defeat of Tibetan rebellion
Seoul shares up helped by techs, cabinet reshuffle
FACTBOX-Penpix of S.Korea's new fin min, top fin regulator
WRAPUP 2-S.Korea revamps cabinet to fight crisis
China to inject 1.5 billion dollars into power sector: report
Japan's industrial output drops 8.5 percent in November
Philippine budget deficit to rise on more spending
South Korea replaces top econ, North policy makers
Chinese tycoon resigns from appliance giant Gome
Japan needs 'tenderhearted' capitalism, minister says
Air China expects to post 'significant loss' for 2008
Who makes the Obamas dance? Stevie Wonder! | Entertainment |
Audiences, critics give thumbs down to India-China film
Audiences, critics give thumbs down to India-China film
Around the world, atheists hit road to knock down God
Kenya looks to cash in on Obama pilgrims
Who makes the Obamas dance? Stevie Wonder!
To regain populist footing, Oscars need a hero
On historic steps, Obama's rise celebrated in song
Salman Rushdie reflects on 20-year-old fatwa
Dumpster couture makes foray into Obamaworld
Spain's canny chefs cook for credit crunch
Iran reportedly names two doctors in U.S.-backed plot
South Korea revamps cabinet to better fight crisis | International |
Eurozone economy to contract 1.9% in 2009: EU
Israel and Hamas truce holds on Gaza Strip
Russia and Ukraine aim to sign gas deal | International |
Europe sceptical over new Russia, Ukraine gas accord
Zimbabwe unity talks get underway
Broadway Show Producers File Grievance Complaint Against Jeremy Piven Over "Sushigate" Excuse
Iran names two doctors in U.S.-backed plot: report | International |
China warns of bird flu risk over Lunar New Year | International |
Pakistani Taliban blow up schools in Swat | International |
Suicide blast outside NATO Afghan base | International |
Australian gets three years for Thai royal insult | International |
Report: Iran dismantles a US-backed spy network
Pretrial hearings to begin for Guantanamo detainees
Cruise 'always wanted to kill Hitler'
Oil prices drop as weak demand bites
India keeps pressure on Pakistan over Mumbai
Suicide attack near US base kills 1 Afghan
Pakistani Taliban blow up schools in Swat
Widespread Recession Slows Down Domestic Migration In The U.S.
SKorea names new minister for NKorea
Inaugural Celebrations Kick Off With Bruce Springsten, Denzel Washington, Tiger Woods
Pakistan briefly halts US-NATO supplies
Bird Grounds Emergency Helicopter In Arkansas
MAS to tighten guidelines on sale of structured products
California Apartment Building Collapses, 4 Injured
Oil prices drop as weak demand bites
China reports second bird flu death this year
SKorea replaces finance minister to fight crisis
South Korea, EU launch high-level trade talks
Japan's Mazda to cut salaries, idle plants
Fitch cuts outlook for Taiwan's local currency
Citigroup says committed to Japanese units
China shares rise on buying by government fund
Japan's Nikkei slightly up on yen, Obama
Shanghai lawmakers slam 'Love China' cigarette ads
CHRONOLOGY-S.Korea acts to tackle financial, economic crisis
Sundance gives rise to star docs | Entertainment |
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
Winslet plans acceptance speech for BAFTAs
Saudi Cleric Upholds 'Fairness' Of Child Marriage
Beodica's Gold Unearthed
Witch Tapped To 'Haunt" Debt Dodgers
UN chief to visit Gaza on Tuesday: Israel
Iran students say time for U.S. to change policy | International |
Sudan opposition leader accused of Darfur rebel links
British trial seeks blindness cure: scientists
US-TECH Summary
India keeps pressure on Pakistan over Mumbai | International |
Abbas calls for Palestinian unity government, elections
South Korea's Lee names hardliner to North post | International |
"Lost In Space" Actor Bob May Dies
Sudan opposition leader accused of Darfur rebel links | International |
Photographer says Mugabe's wife beat him | International |
I'm a successful Somali pirate: Yassin's story | International |
U.S. anti-drug information leaked to Mexico cartels | International |
9/11 plotters appear before military judge
Bush phones world leaders
Militants in Pakistan bomb 5 schools, kill soldier
Karzai: Russia in defense deal with Afghanistan
Mobile carriers answer call for new services | Technology |
Police: 14 Indonesians die from home-brew alcohol
213 China families take milk case to highest court
Vatican to get own YouTube channel | Technology |
China reports 2nd bird flu death this year
T-Mobile to offer G1 in more European countries | Technology |
Civil servant rapped over cooking holiday
Pakistan militants bomb 5 schools in northwest
New ASEAN Basketball League to start in September
Various suggestions brought up at Singapore Perspectives Conference
Survey shows more high—income households turning to house brands
Ethics Of Using Own Kin For Scientific Data Gathering Raised
Empty Chicago Apartments Favorable For Renters
Circuit City Announces Plans To Continue Honoring Gift Certificates As It Closes 567 Outlets
Employee Productivity Expected To Receive A Boost If They Can Watch Inaugural While On The Job
Survey: Fewer Americans Consider Racism A Major Problem
Hong Kong stock market rises on US stimulus hopes
Taiwan's ProMOS sells equipment to Powertech
Asia, Europe officials warn against trade barriers
Gael Garcia Bernal does Cha Cha Cha at Sundance | Entertainment |
Dublin radio airs new U2 single
Scientists Use Own Children For Research
Tom Cruise 'always wanted to kill Hitler'
Storm, Not Disease Likely Caused Pelican Illnesses
Gael Garcia Bernal does Cha Cha Cha at Sundance
Obama A Good Ice Breaker To Ease Interracial Anxiety Between Blacks, Whites
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph	VPN on MacOSX	BlogMeter 1.01