Kot je povedal Kissinger: Nevarno je biti sovražnik Amerike, biti prijatelj pa je usodno.

No, to se je po Nemčiji, največjem evropskem gospodarstvu (zaradi vsiljenih sankcij proti Rusiji) in tajvanskem TSMC, največjem proizvajalcu čipov na svetu (zaradi prepovedi izvoza najbolj naprednih čipov v Kitajsko), zdaj zgodilo tudi južnokorejskemu Samsungu. Zaradi ameriških sankcij proti Kitajski in prepovedi izvoza najbolj naprednih čipov in čipov za umetno inteligenco naj bi Samsung odpustil 30 % osebja v litografiji čipov (30 % 4nm, 5nm, 7nm litografskih linij v Pyeongtaeku), načrtuje pa kar 50 % zaprtje linij do konca leta.

“Samsung’s drastic cuts and layoffs are a direct result of US sanctions against China, turning a once lucrative 31% revenue stream into zero. The tech giant is now scrambling to stay afloat in a geopolitical storm. Here’s how it all went down.”

Samsung denies voluntary retirement and layoff rumors as executives strategize foundry solutions Reports indicate that Samsung is exploring a voluntary retirement plan for its DS division. Rumors also suggest the program could expand across the company, impacting the Mobile eXperience (MX), Visua… https://www.digitimes.com/news/a20241104VL202/samsung-staff.html?s=09

Samsung’s predicament can be traced directly to the US sanctions against China, which have upended the global semiconductor landscape and left companies like Samsung scrambling to adapt. Before these sanctions, China was a significant player in Samsung’s revenue stream. 

China accounted for about 31% of Samsung’s regional revenue. The US, in its bid to maintain technological supremacy and national security, has imposed stringent sanctions aimed at crippling China’s semiconductor ambitions. 

These measures include sweeping restrictions on exporting certain chips to China, especially those used in advanced AI and supercomputing. The Biden administration has further tightened the screws with new export controls on critical technologies. 

Caught in the crossfire, Samsung has been forced to pivot away from one of its largest markets, effectively turning that 31% revenue share into zero. This drastic reduction underscores the brutal impact of geopolitical maneuvering on global business operations. 

Samsung’s recent decision to cut 30% of its foundry staff and reduce production lines by 50% is a clear indication of the severe strain these sanctions have placed on the company. The company is hemorrhaging resources trying to keep up with market demands. 

The US sanctions have not only disrupted Samsung’s business model but have also accelerated China’s push for semiconductor self-sufficiency. China is pouring resources into domestic foundries like SMIC, aiming to reduce its reliance on foreign technology. 

In conclusion, Samsung’s current debacle is a direct consequence of the US sanctions against China. These measures have forced Samsung to make drastic cuts and pivot away from a crucial market, leaving the company in a precarious position. 

Vir: William Huo