New developments indicate that Samsung is planning to set up its first semiconductor chip test line in Japan. Sources close to the matter said that Samsung will use this chip test line to bolster its advanced packaging business and deepen ties with Japanese semiconductor equipment and materials manufacturers. This move will also help diversify its chip-making needs amidst the US-China conflict.
It would be a first-of-a-kind chip test line in Japan by the world's largest memory chip maker, Samsung. According to reports, Japan has also given its nod to restrict exports of 23 types of chip-making tools, which is in line with the US' push to curb China's advancement in the field of advanced chip-making.
There is no detail on when Samsung plans to set up its first test line in Japan
Speaking of Samsung's first test line, the South Korean chip maker is expected to set up the line in Kanagawa Prefecture, next to Tokyo. This is the place where Samsung already has a research and development center. So, the company is probably looking to be in an area that it is familiar with.
Do note that the information isn't public as of yet and that there is no detail on when Samsung plans to start building the test line in Japan. However, there are some rough estimates regarding investment. Samsung is likely going to invest around $75 million, as per the sources. Japan is an attractive place for industries, especially for chip makers such as Samsung, because of cheap labor and the availability of leading chip equipment and materials makers.
One important thing to note here is that this plan is in its early stages, and nothing concrete has been decided yet. Samsung is also considering other options and will finalize something sometime in the future. Samsung has also not responded to this plan as of now.
