Chinese cybersecurity regulator to examine Micron chips
The share price of Micron Technology Inc. (Boise, Idaho) fell 3 percent on news that the Chinese cybersecurity regulator intends to examine its memory products.
The move is aimed at protecting the security of the supply chain for critical information infrastructure, prevent hidden risks and safeguard national security, Reuters reported the Cyberspace Administration of China saying in a statement. Specific component types were not identified.
Micron is a major supplier of DRAMs and NAND flash to China along with such firms as Samsung and SK Hynix.
However, the US and China are in the midst of trade war with an effective embargo on sending advanced chipmaking equipment to China that has been supported by the Netherlands and Japan (see Japan adds to chipmaking equipment export restrictions).
Micron has sales offices in Shanghai and Shenzhen, as well as a chip packaging facility in the city of Xian but said it would pull its DRAM design operation out of China early in 2022 (see Micron pulls DRAM design out of China).
In June 2020 UMC was found guilty of theft of trade secrets from Micron by a court in Taichung City, Taiwan (see UMC found guilty of stealing Micron DRAM secrets). The law suit referenced events back in 2015 through 2017 when UMC was working with Fujian Jinhua Integrated Circuit Co. Ltd. to develop and introduce DRAM components to the market.
Related links and articles:
Japan adds to chipmaking equipment export restrictions
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Micron pulls DRAM design out of China
UMC pays to reach Micron memory settlement
UMC found guilty of stealing Micron DRAM secrets
Report: UMC backs away from China DRAM venture
