Traditional DRAM prices rose QoQ in Q2 2026 while HBM prices fell YoY; the HBM decline was driven by HBM3E price cuts and a delay to HBM4 launches. With traditional DRAM continuing to firm, HBM is expected to rebound next year. A vice president at Counterpoint Research said the key market watch for H2 2026 is whether CXMT can use its recent IPO to accelerate HBM and LPDDR6 capacity expansion. If CXMT scales capacity to meet domestic and international demand it could gain share and reshape indust

South Korea will use national fiscal funds to cover up to 100% of power, water and related infrastructure costs for areas designated as semiconductor industry clusters, under implementing rules of the Special Semiconductor Act. The rules specify governance of the Special Committee on Semiconductor Industry Competitiveness, cluster designation procedures and support measures, talent-development programs, and operation of a dedicated industry-competitiveness account. Central and local governments will jointly finance industrial infrastructure at a minimum 50% share of project costs and up to 100%. The government will also prioritise recruitment matching, local specialist training and job re-skilling for semiconductor firms outside the Seoul capital region.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent said the weak yen has left Japan facing inflationary pressures.