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Semiconductor foundry SMIC posted Q1 2025 revenue of USD 2.25 billion, up 28.4% YoY. Net income attributable to the company rose 74.8% to USD 188 mill…

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Semiconductor foundry SMIC posted Q1 2025 revenue of USD 2.25 billion, up 28.4% YoY. Net income attributable to the company rose 74.8% to USD 188 million, though it missed analyst expectations. Capacity utilization hit 89.6% and operating expenses fell 31% from the prior quarter.

Chinese researchers led by Microquanta Semiconductor have developed a 3D laminar flow coating technique that enables stable, high-yield production of perovskite solar panels at near-square-meter scale. The method improves crystallization, reduces defects, and enhances durability. A 500 kW pilot station using the tech reportedly outperformed silicon modules by over 30% in output under hot weather conditions.

Sany Heavy Industry has submitted a listing application to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, naming CLSA as overall coordinator. No securities are currently being offered and that regulatory approval is pending. Final terms, including offer size and timetable, will be disclosed in a prospectus if the application proceeds.

Apple plans to launch smart glasses by late 2026, featuring cameras, microphones, and Siri integration, as it steps up its AI hardware push. The company has shelved plans for a camera-equipped smartwatch and is accelerating chip production for the glasses. The move comes as Apple races to catch up with Meta and others in the wearables market.

Bonded warehouse rents have quadrupled in 2025 as US firms rush to store Chinese goods and defer Trump-era tariffs. The country has over 1,700 bonded sites, now strained by record demand. Certification delays exceed six months, and conversion costs vary widely from four- to six-figure USD sums, highlighting the growing financial and logistical stakes of trade uncertainty.

<a href="/company/openai">OpenAI</a> has launched Stargate UAE, an <a href="/industry/ai">AI</a> campus in Abu Dhabi and the first international deployment of its Stargate platform. Backed by G42, Oracle, Nvidia, Cisco, and SoftBank, the site will include 200 MW of compute in 2026. The project marks the launch of OpenAI’s global initiative to help governments build sovereign AI in coordination with the US.

China has asked the Netherlands to ease <a href="/industry/semiconductors">semiconductor</a> export restrictions, Dutch foreign minister Caspar Veldkamp said after talks in Beijing. The Netherlands, home to chip tool giant ASML, reaffirmed its stance on national security and independent licensing. Both sides agreed to keep semiconductor trade on the agenda amid broader cooperation talks.

On May 22, <a href="/company/xiaomi">Xiaomi</a> unveiled the Xring O1, a ten-core SoC with 19 billion transistors built on a three-nanometre process. Powering the new 15S Pro and Pad 7 Ultra, the chip reportedly matches Apple’s A18 Pro in performance and surpasses it in select benchmarks. The Xring O1 marks a milestone in Xiaomi’s R&amp;D, backed by RMB 13.5 billion over four years.

At the WNEVC UAE session, Chinese officials called for deeper global collaboration in <a href="/industry/ev">EVs</a> and urged firms to tailor offerings to local markets. They highlighted a 30% rise in Hainan-UAE trade in 2024, driven by a new Yangpu-Abu Dhabi shipping route. China’s leadership in green growth was underscored by its dominant share of the 585 GW in new global renewable capacity.

<a href="/company/shein">Shein</a> warned that French shoppers could face price hikes of up to EUR 12 per order by 2030 if the EU enacts a EUR 2 handling fee on direct e-commerce shipments and France enacts a bill penalizing <a href="/industry/fashion">fast fashion</a>. A Shein spokesperson criticized the proposals, which target low-cost platforms like Shein and <a href="/company/temu">Temu</a>, and called for dialogue with public officials.

Chinese direct investment in Europe rose 47% to EUR 10 billion in 2024, ending a seven-year decline, according to MERICS and Rhodium Group. Greenfield projects drove the rebound, led by <a href="/industry/ev">EV</a> and <a href="/industry/batteries">battery</a> investments in Hungary. <a href="/company/catl">CATL</a>, <a href="/company/tencent">Tencent</a>, and <a href="/company/byd">BYD</a> accounted for a large share. Hungary drew 31% of Chinese FDI, outpacing Germany, France, and the UK combined.

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The fintech firm is betting on global expansion and AI-driven financial infrastructure to anchor its next phase of growth.

Airwallex raises USD 300 million, eyes IPO readiness and AI-led finance

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As China grapples with a surge in retired EV batteries, Eagoal is leaning on predictive tools and clean chemistry to lead the way.

As EV batteries retire, recyclers like Eagoal race to scale and standardize

The tariff rollback shows Washington's constraints and offers exporters reprieve.

US-China trade war truce: 5 things to know

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SMIC revenue up 28%, lags forecasts

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