China Semiconductor Stocks Surge Amid Reports of $48 Billion Chip Fund
Chinese semiconductor stocks experienced a significant surge on Monday following reports of the government's establishment of its largest-ever fund, totaling nearly $48 billion, aimed at supporting the industry's growth. Shares of leading chip manufacturers, including Hua Hong Semiconductor, Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp. (SMIC), NAURA Technology, and GigaDevice Semiconductor, witnessed substantial gains. Hua Hong Semiconductor saw an impressive 11% surge, while SMIC climbed 7%, NAURA Technology rose nearly 6%, and GigaDevice Semiconductor gained 3.6%. The establishment of the third phase of the China Integrated Circuit Industry Investment Fund, raising approximately 344 billion yuan ($47.49 billion), marks a significant escalation compared to previous fund sizes in 2014 and 2019. This move underscores China's commitment to bolstering its semiconductor sector, a critical component of its technological advancement strategy. According to reports from Dow Jones and other media outlets, the fund's registration on May 24 revealed the Ministry of Finance as the primary shareholder, with contributions from other state-owned banks and enterprises, including Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd. The timing of this substantial investment coincides with ongoing trade tensions between the U.S. and China, particularly concerning semiconductor exports. The Biden administration's recent announcement of plans to increase tariffs on semiconductors from China underscores the importance of domestic semiconductor production for both economic and strategic reasons. As China seeks to strengthen its semiconductor industry, this significant injection of capital is expected to fuel innovation, research, and development efforts, positioning Chinese companies to compete more effectively on the global stage. However, the broader implications of this move remain subject to geopolitical dynamics and evolving trade policies between major economies.