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Time of India
30-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
One of the top 3 chip design software companies in US halts China sales after Trump administration's 'ban letter'
Synopsys , one of the top three semiconductor design software companies in the US, has reportedly instructed its staff in China to cease all services and sales within the country and to stop accepting new orders. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now This directive, outlined in an internal letter reviewed by news agency Reuters, is in response to latest US export restrictions targeting China. The report said that Synopsys, a large provider of electronic design automation (EDA) software used in chip design, suspended its annual and quarterly forecasts on Thursday (May 26) after receiving notification of the new restrictions from the US Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security. Soon after the Trump administration 's 'China ban letter', the company sent an internal letter to staff in China on Friday (May 30), stating that the restrictions "broadly prohibit the sales of our products and services in China and are effective as of May 29, 2025." To ensure compliance, Synopsys confirmed that it is blocking all sales and fulfillment in China and pausing new orders pending further clarification. Notably, these measures apply to all customers in China, including employees of global clients operating within China, and Chinese military users worldwide. Synopsys has reportedly disabled Chinese customers' access to its customer support portal, SolvNetPlus. Why this is significant for both US and China The development comes a day after the US government ordered numerous companies to halt product shipments to China without a license and revoked existing licenses for certain suppliers. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now These measures impact critical products, including design software and chemicals essential for semiconductor manufacturing. Synopsys, alongside Cadence and Siemens EDA, controls over 70% of China's EDA market, as per Chinese news agency Xinhua. Restricting Chinese firms' access to these US-made EDA tools is likely to significantly impact the Chinese chip design industry, which heavily relies on such advanced software. Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 (2025) | 10 Features You Need to Know
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Exclusive-Synopsys halts China sales due to US export restrictions, internal memo shows
By Liam Mo and Brenda Goh BEIJING (Reuters) -Semiconductor design software firm Synopsys has told staff in China to halt services and sales in the country and stop taking new orders to comply with new U.S. export restrictions, according to an internal letter reviewed by Reuters. The U.S. has ordered a broad swathe of companies to stop shipping goods to China without a license and revoked licenses already granted to certain suppliers, Reuters reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the matter. Products affected include design software and chemicals for semiconductors, they said. Synopsys on Thursday suspended its annual and quarterly forecasts after it received a letter from the Bureau of Industry and Security of the U.S. Department of Commerce, informing it of new export restrictions related to China. The internal letter sent to staff in China on Friday said "based on our initial interpretation, these new restrictions broadly prohibit the sales of our products and services in China and are effective as of May 29, 2025." To ensure compliance, Synopsys said it was blocking sales and fulfillment in China and halting new orders until it receives further clarification. The measures affect all customers in China, including employees of global customers working at sites in China and Chinese military users wherever they are located, the letter added. The steps Synopsys is taking in light of the new restrictions have not been previously reported. Synopsys did not immediately reply to a request for comment. Alongside Cadence and Siemens EDA, Synopsys is among the top three companies that dominate electronic design automation (EDA) software that chipmakers can use to design semiconductors used in everything from smartphones to computers and cars. Restricting Chinese firms' access to EDA tools would be a big blow to the industry as Chinese chip design customers heavily rely on top-of-the-line U.S. software. Synopsys, Cadence and Siemens's Mentor Graphics control more than 70% of China's EDA market, Chinese state news agency Xinhua reported in April. Chinese companies that have said they use Synopsys and Cadence software include design firm Brite Semiconductor, Zhuhai Jieli and semiconductor IP portfolio provider VeriSilicon. The letter sent to staff in China on Friday also said that Chinese customers' access to its customer support portal SolvNetPlus had been disabled. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Securing the future: Cybersecurity challenges and solutions for software-defined vehicles
The evolution of the automobile, from being powered by steam to now including computerised consoles, is a commendable journey shaped by technological changes. In the 21st century, consumers can expect their vehicles to be vital to their digital lives. Previously, manufacturers and consumers focused on the hardware of an automobile, but with the current technological changes, software is gearing up to take centre stage. This means that Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs) are the next evolution of the automotive industry. SDVs are often called 'software-on-wheels' because they can enable new features, oversee operations and enhance functionality through software. This will enhance consumer experience and benefit vehicle safety and mobility. As the development of SDVs picks up pace, it must be acknowledged that such vehicles also introduce significant cybersecurity challenges . While software can enhance innovation, an increasing reliance on it can also lead to compromised safety and functionality. What recent trends tell us Deloitte's The future of automotive mobility to 2035 report highlights that Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) surveyed expect technology to influence business with software-enabled solutions designed to impact the mobility experience. This can boost revenue as companies begin offering ongoing asset management to consumers, from data analytics and telematics to infotainment and vehicle feature subscriptions. The emergence of AI and machine learning will also dictate the development of SDVs, as such technologies offer great potential for enhancing the security of automotive vehicles due to their ability to detect and respond to threats in real time. The integration of such technologies into SDVs can ensure that malicious actors do not achieve success in taking control of vehicles and bolster the safety of passengers. In addition to emerging technology and innovation, the ever-evolving regulatory landscape will have a considerable influence on the development of SDVs as governments across the globe develop rules regarding the cybersecurity provisions of connected vehicles. A recent example is the US Department of Commerce considering banning certain foreign technologies that could pose security risks to national security. Hence, many factors will influence the development of SDVs in today's digital age. Growing innovation coupled with evolving threats The use of software will transform automobiles, promising to make futuristic cars a thing of reality. SDVs offer innovative features, making it possible to improve vehicle performance, strengthen vehicle safety and optimise vehicle systems. While these are exciting changes, they also increase the attack surface, leaving automobiles powered by software vulnerable to cyberattacks that can have catastrophic results, ranging from data theft to compromised safety that causes accidents. The Global Automotive Cyber Security Report from Upstream Security highlighted that remote attacks now constitute 95 percent of the incidents, primarily driven by black-hat hackers aiming for large-scale disruptions. It is the need of the hour to make cybersecurity a key priority as cyberattacks on automobiles increase and become more sophisticated. Systems integrated into modern vehicles are increasingly interconnected, often communicating over internal networks. This generates multiple points of vulnerability that malicious actors can exploit. The problem is compounded by a key feature that SDVs offer: remote access. It does improve convenience and functionality, but at the same time, it can also make it easier for cybercriminals to gain control over critical vehicle functions. Such vulnerabilities could disable crucial functions such as braking, steering and acceleration. For example, an attack on a vehicle's GPS could lead passengers into dangerous situations. Remote access can allow hackers to hold an SDV's system hostage until a ransom is paid. According to the Deloitte Global Automotive Mobility Market Simulation Tool, 50–60 percent of future profits may be at stake if mobility providers continue their business as usual. The further integration of software into automobiles must be trodden carefully, with security as a key feature to ensure the safety of both the vehicle and the passengers. Tackling challenges head-on Securing SDVs from cyberattacks will require a multi-pronged and comprehensive approach. Manufacturers must consider a 'security by design' approach, as prioritised by standards such as ISO/SAE 21434 – Road Vehicles — Cybersecurity Engineering, whereby security is considered at every stage of the vehicle lifecycle. Additionally, cryptographic key management, including practices such as secure generation, storage and rotation of cryptographic keys, can prevent unauthorised access and secure data storage within SDVs. Moreover, authentication, encryption and integrity checks must be adopted to secure OTA/FOTA software updates. Regularly updating software and patching vulnerabilities will be key to maintaining and bolstering SDVs' security. This could go a long way in preventing hackers' exploitation. Moreover, segmenting vehicle networks can help limit the spread of potential breaches while also continuously monitoring for suspicious activity. In conclusion, software integration into automobiles will only grow as technology advances. However, to support the long-term development of such technology, security must be the top priority. It will enhance the scope of innovation, improve consumer trust and strengthen brand reputation. (The author is Santosh Jinugu, Partner, Deloitte India. Views are personal)
CNA
19-05-2025
- Business
- CNA
Commentary: Southeast Asia solar panel manufacturers are over-reliant on American demand
SINGAPORE: Washington is planning to introduce steep tariffs on solar cells from Southeast Asian manufacturers, following a year-long investigation by the US Department of Commerce on 'unfair trade practices'. The tariffs, announced on Apr 22, target companies in Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam, and run as high as 3,400 per cent. The investigation found that companies in each country benefited from subsidies from the Chinese government, making their products cheaper and American products uncompetitive. The US' International Trade Commission will finalise the tariffs in June. Though proponents may celebrate the tariffs as victory for American solar manufacturers, this development adds more tension to global trade. Importers of solar cells are familiar with tariffs, as multiple US administrations have applied them to protect the domestic industry since 2011. Last month's announcement was the highest yet. Given this new level, many are concerned about the increase in expenses for solar installations in the US. For Southeast Asia manufacturers, questions linger on whether they can survive a downturn in US demand. GROWTH IN SOUTHEAST ASIA SOLAR MANUFACTURING Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam collectively play a key role in the supply chain of solar modules, accounting for 20 per cent of global exports in 2023. These countries supply 80 per cent of the US's solar equipment imports. The solar industry in Southeast Asia witnessed significant growth after 2012. Chinese companies shifted their production to the region, in response to US tariffs imposed to curb underpriced Chinese-made solar panels. China dominates all stages of the global solar supply chain, and manufacturers in Southeast Asia and other nations rely on Chinese upstream inputs such as polysilicon, the raw material of solar cells. Polysilicon production is hard to shift elsewhere because it requires heavy capital upfront, constant access to raw materials and significant energy. With massive government support, China has the competitive advantage. NEED TO REDUCE RELIANCE ON FOREIGN DEMAND Southeast Asia has seen a slowdown of solar panel production since mid-2024, after a US tariff reprieve expired. Chinese-linked companies operating in Southeast Asia found that their profit margin, which could reach as high as 40 per cent, was eroded. Continued losses from oversupply and fierce price competition with China's top solar firms might have contributed to the situation. Trump's tariff announcements will put more pressure on manufacturers in Southeast Asia. This situation underscores the vulnerability of the regional solar industry's dependence on US exports. Foreign investment can bring positive spillover effects to host countries; however, there is a risk when it is unrelated to domestic demand. For example, Malaysia has a solar panel manufacturing capacity of 23.6 gigawatts, but its installed capacity is only 4.2 gigawatts, leaving it vulnerable to an abrupt change in export demand. Other solar manufacturing countries in Southeast Asia have similar imbalances between export and domestic demands. At present, solar installation in the region lacks ambition owing to multiple factors, including continued dependence on fossil fuels, regulatory hurdles and grid connectivity issues. The increase in Chinese solar manufacturing investment in Laos and Indonesia, nations unaffected by import duties, since 2022 signals the expansion of production bases. However, the move is arguably for short-term gains, as the US is likely to extend its trade measures to close any loophole. Southeast Asia may attempt to diversify export markets; however, over-dependence on foreign demand should be managed carefully. Considering global trade restrictions, domestic markets in Southeast Asia may serve as hedges against external risks. Indeed, this is a golden opportunity for Southeast Asian economies to ramp up their own solar power capacity. This will help reduce their vulnerabilities to price volatility associated with fossil fuel markets, meet decarbonisation targets and prepare for the growing demand for green electricity within Southeast Asia. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE US SOLAR INDUSTRY Will Trump's tariffs on Southeast Asian manufacturers boost the American solar industry? A US study in 2024 found that solar tariffs led to some gains for US manufacturers, but higher prices for consumers and losses in environmental benefits. Industrial policy such as financial incentives and manufacturing tax credits is viewed as the more efficient approach for supporting the solar industry, as opposed to reliance on trade policy. Nevertheless, more evidence is necessary to determine the effect of high import tariffs on the solar industry. US solar production and supply chain growth are also contingent upon Trump's climate policies, including his decisions to undermine the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The policy, signed by the Biden administration in 2022, supports clean energy projects through incentives and tax credits, enabling a four-fold increase in solar manufacturing capacity in two years. Reversing the IRA is a poor decision, as it could dampen long-term industrial strategies, hinder job growth and cause the US to fall far behind its peers in meeting climate goals. Despite sector consolidation and price adjustments in the short to medium term, China is expected to maintain its market position and cost competitiveness. It will take years for American solar factories to catch up. In the short and medium term, solar panel price hikes will affect US consumers, possibly slowing solar panel installations as developers navigate new constraints. Current developments also highlight the dynamic nature of the global solar industry. Achieving clean energy targets means that governments will need to adapt to changing trade policies and market conditions.
Korea Herald
15-05-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
Korean firms key to US industrial strength, says trade association chief in Washington
Korean companies are playing a vital role in the US, according to Korea International Trade Association Chair Yoon Jin-sik, who described the country as a 'force multiplier' for US economic security and a key to revitalizing strategic industries. The remarks were made during Yoon's visit to the US from Monday to Thursday, where he led a business delegation of executives from seven Korean companies operating in the US — including Meta Biomed, Exicon, Iljin Group, Jusung Engineering, Doosan Group, Dongwon Industries and Seah Steel — according to KITA on Thursday. The group attended the SelectUSA Investment Summit, an event organized by the US Department of Commerce to promote foreign investment, and met with key government officials, including Trevor Kellogg, chief of staff for the International Trade Administration at the US Department of Commerce. 'Korean companies have not only created quality jobs through active US investment, but have also contributed significantly to strengthening America's advanced industrial production capabilities,' Yoon was quoted as saying during his meeting with Kellogg. 'Korea is no longer just an economic partner, but it's a 'force multiplier country' essential to US economic security.' He explained that core Korean technologies in strategic sectors such as shipbuilding, semiconductors, batteries and nuclear power can help revitalize the US economic security and strategic industries. Regarding the US government's investigation into imports of copper, semiconductors and pharmaceuticals under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, Yoon requested from US officials tariff exemptions or relief for trusted partners like Korea to stabilize supply chains. In response, Kellogg acknowledged the importance of Korean firms in bolstering US strategic industries and expressed support for securing Korean technical professionals and visa processes, according to KITA. Yoon also held meetings with Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, seeking state-level support for Korean firms' operations in the region. In a meeting with Rep. Pete Sessions, a Republican from Texas, Yoon expressed concerns about reduced subsidies under the Inflation Reduction Act and their impact on Korean investment. He also discussed Korea's shipbuilding capabilities as critical to revitalizing US naval industries during talks with Sen. John Curtis, a Republican from Utah, who co-sponsored a bill aimed at ensuring US Navy and Coast Guard readiness. KITA also hosted a networking reception on Tuesday in Washington, drawing over 300 attendees, including lawmakers and business leaders, to discuss ways for economic collaboration between the two countries. Guests included Rep. Joe Wilson, a Republican from South Carolina who co-chairs the Korea Caucus, Rep. Andy Biggs, a Republican from Arizona, and Rep. Dave Min, a Democrat from California, among others.
