13 July, Monday
Taiwan: TSMC posts record second-quarter revenue as global AI chip demand accelerates
On 13 July, Reuters reported that TSMC announced a record-high second-quarter revenue, fueled by surging global demand for AI applications. The world's largest contract chipmaker saw revenue for the April-June period climb 36 per cent year-on-year to TWD 1.27 trillion (USD 39.62 billion), slightly outpacing market expectations. For June alone, the key supplier to technology giants Apple and Nvidia recorded a 67.9 per cent spike in revenue compared to the same period in 2025. The release of the sales figures, originally scheduled for 10 July, was delayed after financial markets in Taipei were shuttered due to Typhoon Bavi. While TSMC did not provide detailed forward guidance in its brief sales statement, the company is scheduled to hold its formal quarterly earnings call. Analysts widely expect the chipmaker to report a 58.8 per cent surge in net profit alongside updated guidance for the remainder of the year.
(“TSMC posts record revenue in second quarter on AI demand,” Reuters, 13 July 2026)

Intel commits EUR 5 billion to expand Ireland chip plant amid AI manufacturing push 
On 13 July, Reuters reported that Intel has commenced a EUR 5 billion (USD 5.7 billion) capital investment to upgrade its manufacturing campus in Ireland, aiming to boost European semiconductor output amidst soaring global demand for AI and high-performance computing, the company announced. The major investment will be used to maximize manufacturing capacity and install leading-edge equipment at Intel's facility in Leixlip, located just outside Dublin. The site represents Europe’s most advanced semiconductor manufacturing facility and produces Intel 3 silicon wafers, which are crucial for the company's next-generation Xeon 6 server processors. According to Naga Chandrasekaran, Executive Vice President of Intel Foundry, the majority of the capital expansion will be deployed by the end of 2027. The project represents roughly 30 per cent of the US chipmaker's total planned USD 17 billion capital expenditure budget for 2026. The expansion is expected to add "several hundred" highly skilled jobs to Intel's existing Irish workforce of 4,900 employees. Ireland’s Prime Minister Micheal Martin welcomed the development, calling the multi-billion euro investment a powerful vote of confidence in Ireland's foreign investment-reliant economy, where multinational corporations currently comprise 11 per cent of the entire national labor market.
(“Intel announces $5.7 billion AI-driven capital investment in Ireland,” Reuters, 13 July 2026)

Taiwan: TSMC to build two more advanced chip packaging plants in Taiwan to ease AI supply constraints
On 12 July, Reuters reported that TSMC will construct two additional advanced chip packaging plants at the Chiayi Science Park in southern Taiwan, the island’s science and technology minister announced Sunday. Speaking at a groundbreaking ceremony marking the start of the project's second phase, National Science and Technology Council Minister Wu Cheng-wen stated that the new additions will serve as TSMC's third and fourth packaging facilities in the hub. The park's first facility has already achieved mass production, with the second facility expected to follow shortly. Once all four sites are operational, the hub is projected to generate over TWD 300 billion (USD 9.35 billion) in annual production value and create more than 9,000 jobs. The rapid infrastructure expansion is driven by a critical global supply crunch.
(“TSMC to add 2 advanced chip packaging plants in Chiayi, Taiwan minister says,” Reuters, 13June 2026)

South Korea: Samsung Electronics moves up start of Yongin chip factory to 2029
On 13 July, Reuters reported that Samsung Electronics aims to bring forward operations at its chip fabrication site in Yongin, south of Seoul, to 2029 from 2030-2031. This is to keep up with surging demand for memory chips used in AI infrastructure, a source told Reuters. Last month, Samsung and rival SK Hynix pledged to invest hundreds of billions of dollars to expand production capacity at home. This followed President Lee Jae Myung's call for measures to narrow regional economic divides. Under the plan, the government hopes to double the country's memory-chip production capacity within five years. This will be done by speeding up construction of fabs in Yongin and building a new chip cluster in Gwangju city. Samsung’s spokesperson said the company plans to begin operations at its first Yongin plant by 2029, one to two years ahead of the original schedule. Yonhap News Agency first reported the change on 12 July.
 ("Samsung Electronics to move up start of chip factory in Yongin to 2029, source says," Reuters, 13 July 2026)

10 July, Friday
China: Beijing imposes temporary helium export ban to safeguard chip industry
On 10 July, Reuters reported that China has announced an immediate, temporary export ban on helium as escalating military conflicts in the Middle East threaten a global shortage. Helium is an irreplaceable commodity extracted from natural gas fields, crucial for heat management and manufacturing in the semiconductor industry, including wafer cooling and lithography. Earlier regional conflicts between the US, Israel, and Iran had already disrupted supply chains, forcing Beijing to protect its domestic chipmakers, who rely heavily on helium to train AI models on local hardware. Although China relies on overseas imports for roughly 85 per cent of its own needs, primarily from Qatar, it has recently become a critical global intermediary by re-exporting Russian helium to markets like Europe. By halting these exports, Beijing aims to safeguard its domestic tech sector, though analysts warn the move will further tighten global supply chains and squeeze international chip manufacturing markets.
(“China temporarily bans helium exports as US-Iran tensions flare again,” Reuters, 10 July 2026)

South Korea: SK Hynix surges in Nasdaq debut as AI chip demand fuels investor optimism
On 11 July, Reuters reported that SK Hynix made a US debut on the Nasdaq following a massive USD 26.5 billion share sale. Through this move, the company aims to reflect strong, sustained investor enthusiasm for AI-related chip stocks. The South Korea’s company, recognized as the world's leading manufacturer of high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips crucial for Nvidia and AMD's AI processors, saw its American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) open 14 per cent higher at USD 170 a piece. The offering was seven times oversubscribed, marking the second-largest share sale in the US after SpaceX's record IPO. By entering the US market, SK Hynix aims to expand its investor pool and bridge the valuation gap with its American rival, Micron Technology. While recent volatility and fears of oversupply have cooled the broader chip sector, SK Hynix's stellar debut shows that the AI-driven market infrastructure demand remains incredibly potent.
(“SK Hynix shares jump in marquee US debut as AI euphoria persists,” Reuters, 11 July 2026)

China and Namibia: Beijing, Windhoek sign deals on critical minerals, energy and infrastructure
On 11 July, Reuters reported that during a state visit to Beijing, Namibia’s President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and China’s President Xi Jinping signed eight agreements to deepen bilateral cooperation in energy, infrastructure, farming, and critical minerals. Both countries signed a joint communique that highlighted greater cooperation in the field of critical minerals, such as uranium, lithium and rare earths, and emphasised local processing, technology transfer and skills development. Today, China is purchasing approximately 25 per cent of all Namibia's exports, of which 85 per cent is uranium. China’s companies have already invested USD 4.2 billion in Namibia, mainly in the metal industry, and this has not stopped so far. The deal comes at an important moment for Namibia, which is expected to become the fourth biggest producer of oil in the continent by 2030 after huge oilfield finds by Shell and TotalEnergies in its territorial waters.
(“Namibia secures China deals on infrastructure, mining and energy with state visit,” Reuters, 11 July 2026)

The US and UAE: Washington eases AI chip and military export controls for Abu Dhabi amid strategic ties
On 10 July, Reuters reported that the US Commerce Department has significantly loosened export controls on the UAE granting license-free access to advanced Nvidia AI chips, military equipment, commercial satellites, and spacecraft. This policy shift places the UAE into a preferred country grouping typically reserved for NATO allies, making it the only non-member of multilateral export control regimes to receive such status. The regulatory update eliminates prior licensing hurdles for the UAE government and pre-approved entities, including prominent local tech firms like G42 and Core42, as well as the regional subsidiaries of US giants like Microsoft, Google, Meta, Amazon, Apple, and xAI. The US administration cited the UAE’s strategic alignment in countering Iran, specifically pointing to its role in recent regional military operations, alongside its trillion-dollar footprint in the US economy as major catalysts for the decision. However, the move has drawn sharp criticism from some US lawmakers who express national security concerns over the potential diversion of sensitive AI technology to China.
(“US makes it easier to export Nvidia AI chips and military equipment to the UAE,” Reuters, 10 July 2026)

08 July, Wednesday
The US: Apple commits USD 30 billion to Broadcom to secure country’s wireless chip supply
On 08 July, Reuters reported that Apple plans to spend more than USD 30 billion as part of a long-term chip-supply agreement with Broadcom. This plan includes a USD 1.5 billion expansion of the chipmaker's manufacturing facility in Fort Collins, Colorado. The deal, runs through 2031, secures the production of at least 15 billion wireless communication chips for Apple devices. Specifically, the agreement focuses on film bulk acoustic resonator (FBAR) filters, which are radiofrequency chips designed to help Apple devices communicate wirelessly. The two companies have been co-developing the technology since at least 2023. Apple stated that the multi-billion-dollar deal aligns with efforts alongside US President Donald Trump's administration to boost domestic semiconductor sourcing and increase investments in US-based technology suppliers. Furthermore, Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook praised the collaboration, noting that the components built in Colorado are essential for delivering connectivity performance to its customers.
("Apple to spend $30 billion in Broadcom chips deal that will see Colorado factory expand," Reuters, 08 July 2026)

Canada: Ottawa expands critical minerals strategy through investment in teck resources
ON 08 July, Reuters reported that the Canada’s government announced a potential equity-like investment of up to CAD 400 million (USD 281.93 million) in mining giant Teck Resources to expand critical mineral processing at its Trail Operations facility in British Columbia. This is because Teck’s individual facilities do not have tradable shares, Natural Resource Minister Tim Hodgson noted the funding will function as a facility-specific equity stake, with its baseline value fluctuating alongside production levels. The capital will support a broader CAD 850 million modernization and scaling blueprint planned for the site. The transaction includes a framework for an off-take agreement, securing future state rights to Teck’s production of critical tech materials like germanium, indium, and gallium. These specialized elements remain highly sought after for global semiconductor production, defense systems, and high-tier radar arrays. The initiative represents a push by Canada and its G7 allies to build independent stockpiles and break China’s current 90 per cent chokehold on rare earth and strategic metal refining logistics.
(“Canada agrees on a potential C$400 million Teck investment for strategic metals production,” Reuters, 08 July 2026)

06 July, Monday
Turkey and Pakistan: Ankara and Islamabad deepen critical minerals partnership
On 04 July, Reuters reported that Turky’s President Tayyip Erdogan and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif pledged to deepen bilateral cooperation in the extraction and processing of critical minerals. As part of a broader strategy to lift bilateral trade to USD 5 billion, the two nations are prioritizing joint ventures in mining to secure supply chains for advanced technology, defense, and energy sectors. This mining partnership will be integrated into the newly planned Recep Tayyip Erdogan Special Economic Zone in Karachi, creating a structured framework for long-term industrial collaboration.
(“Turkey's Erdogan says Israel must not scupper US-Iran deal,” Reuters, 04 July 2026)

France: Rare earth Carester to build rare earths processing plant in Malaysia 
On 06 July, Reuters reported that France rare earths specialist Carester announced plans to build a rare earths separation plant in Malaysia's Perak state. This move is a part of a 10-year joint venture with local miner Malaco Mining Group. The proposed facility will be capable of processing approximately 13,000 tons of light and heavy rare earths annually, including elements such as neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium, and terbium. CEO Frederic Carencotte stated that the partnership is also seeking for a regulatory approval to conduct in-situ leaching, injecting chemical agents into the soil to pump out target minerals, across various plantation areas. In addition, the venture also aims to transfer technology to Malaco addressing environmental concerns, including using clean extraction methods to prevent landslides and groundwater contamination. Moreover, Malaysia, which holds an estimated 274,144 metric tons of rare earth deposits, is increasingly positioning itself as a non-China processing hub for elements critical to smartphones, electric vehicles, and defense hardware.
(“French firm Carester to build rare earths separation plant in Malaysia's Perak,” Reuters, 06 July 2026)

04 July, Saturday
India and France: New Delhi and Paris strengthen economic sovereignty through critical minerals and infrastructure cooperation
On 04 July, The Economic Times reported on India’s Ministry of Finance announcing India and France agreed to deepen bilateral cooperation on critical minerals, resilient supply chains, and financial industry integration. The India-France Economic and Financial Dialogue held on 03 July, co-chaired by India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and France’s Economy Minister Roland Lescure was a continuation of high-level strategic engagements that were agreed upon by both countries earlier this year and aimed at strengthening the bond between the two economies. Discussions focused heavily on building economic sovereignty and security, with both sides advancing plans to cooperate on critical mineral supply chains and cross-border infrastructure investments, specifically expanding on high-speed railway initiatives. The ministers also expressed their intent to deepen their cooperation in the multilateral forums such as the G20 and the Paris Club. Further confirming their aim to implement the dialogue as the main platform for future trade and technological cooperation between the two countries prior to the next meeting in 2027.
(“India, France co-chair Economic & Financial Dialogue, agree to deepen cooperation on critical minerals,” The Economic Times, 04 July 2026)

03 July, Friday
The US: Washington prioritises Cook Islands' seabed minerals as it expands strategic competition with China in the Pacific
On 03 July, Reuters reported on Jared Novelly, the newly appointed US Ambassador to New Zealand, Samoa, Niue, and the Cook Islands, stating that securing seabed minerals in the Cook Islands is a top priority. Novelly announced plans to introduce US extraction companies to tap into the territory's vast polymetallic nodule reserves. This move came as Washington’s plan to secure clean-energy supply chains and reduce reliance on Beijing. Furthermore, the ambassador explicitly cautioned Pacific Island states against expanding ties with Beijing, warning of potential "debt traps" associated with China's growing regional infrastructure and military footprint. Transitioning to local security, Novelly urged New Zealand and other regional partners to boost defense spending to "carry their own water." He also expressed a desire to see a US nuclear-powered aircraft carrier visit Auckland harbor, a move that would require navigating New Zealand's long-standing nuclear-free policy amidst recent polling showing a decline in local public perception of Washington.
(“US envoy says Cook Islands minerals are a top priority,” Reuters, 03 July 2026)

02 July, Thursday
The EU: Brussels's chip sector to face 'bleak future' amid US and China’s geopolitical risks
On 02 July, Reuters reported that an EU-funded report by the European Union’s Institute for Security Studies and the Institute Montaigne warns that Europe's semiconductor sector faces a "bleak future" due to intense geopolitical pressures. The region's supply chain is highly vulnerable to Chinese export controls on critical minerals and potential conflict in the Taiwan Strait. Concurrently, Europe's technological dependence on US poses a growing risk. A proposed US law can potentially allow Washington to unilaterally restrict exports from allied Europe-based companies like chip-equipment giant ASML. A concern that has intensified under the second Trump administration. While the European Commission has proposed a Chips Act 2.0 and joined the US-led "Pax Silica" alliance, structural hurdles remain
(“Chinese and US risks mean EU chip sector faces a 'bleak future,' report says,” Reuters, 02 July 2026)

05 June, Friday
The EU: European Commission weighs mandatory supply chain diversification for critical sectors
On 05 June, Reuters reported that the European Commission is considering legislation requiring companies to diversify their supply chains. It is to ensure dependence on a single supplier, particularly suppliers in China. Under the proposal, firms may be encouraged or required to maintain a minimum of three sources for critical supplies. This enables protection against disruptions caused by geopolitical tensions, export controls, and supply shortages. This initiative is formed as part of the EU’s broader review of its defence policies. Moreover, the European Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic argued that reliance on a single supplier has become a strategic vulnerability, especially in sectors such as critical minerals and advanced manufacturing. Any future measures would likely be introduced gradually and in consultation with industry.
(“EU weighs rules to cut reliance on China through broader supply chains,” Reuters, 05 June 2026)

The US: Oklahoma lawsuit challenges major Washingtons Aluminum smelter project
On 05 June, Reuters reported that, Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond filed a lawsuit seeking to block a proposed USD 4 billion aluminum smelter project. This project is backed by Emirates Global Aluminium and Century Aluminum. If completed, the facility would produce up to 750,000 metric tons of aluminum annually. It plays a significant role in reducing US’s dependence on imports. The lawsuit argues that emissions from the smelter could harm residents, livestock, and the environment. Furthermore, the Attorney General also criticized the project's ownership structure, noting that EGA. This controls 60 per cent of the venture, which is owned by sovereign wealth funds linked to the government of the UAE. Furthermore, he argued that local communities would bear the environmental costs while foreign investors would reap the benefits.
(“Oklahoma's attorney general sues to block aluminum smelter after Trump endorses rival,” Reuters, 05 June 2026)