africa.chinadaily.com.cn
AT&S Confident in China's Semiconductor Market Despite Trade Tensions
AT&S, a European provider of high-end printed circuit boards and integrated circuit substrates, will continue production localization and technology innovation in China, despite US-China trade tensions, driven by the country's growing semiconductor market and its own technological advancements; the company's consolidated sales revenue reached €1.59 billion ($1.81 billion) for fiscal year 2024/25.
- What is the immediate impact of the US-China trade conflict on AT&S's business in China, and what is the company's response?
- AT&S, a European high-end PCB and integrated circuit substrate provider, remains confident in the Chinese market, continuing its localization and technological innovation despite US-China trade tensions. The company's chairman, Zhu Jinping, stated that while the trade conflict hasn't directly impacted AT&S, the concern is its effect on clients' businesses and supply chain stability. AT&S's revenue reached €1.59 billion in fiscal year 2024/25, and they project €2.1-2.4 billion for 2026/27.
- How does AT&S's "local for local" strategy contribute to its success in the Chinese market, and what are the key technological advancements driving this strategy?
- AT&S's strategy in China centers on a "local for local" approach, capitalizing on the country's growing semiconductor industry and its drive for self-reliance. This strategy is reflected in deeper collaborations with Chinese companies in high-end packaging, R&D, and reliability tests. The company's diversified manufacturing bases in China, Malaysia, and Austria mitigate risks associated with geopolitical uncertainties.
- What are the long-term implications of AT&S's continued investment in China, considering the global semiconductor market's growth and the intensifying US-China technological competition?
- AT&S's focus on embedding technology, which miniaturizes and energy-saves chips in PCBs, positions them for growth in the Chinese market. Applications such as AI-powered wearables, large servers, and electric vehicles present substantial opportunities. The company's positive outlook on optical transceivers in China further solidifies its commitment to expanding its presence and capabilities within the country.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article is framed positively towards AT&S and its investment in China. The headline (if there was one, it is not included in the text provided) and opening statements would likely emphasize the company's confidence and continued investment. The focus on growth numbers and positive statements from the chairman strongly shape the narrative towards a success story, potentially downplaying potential risks or challenges. The emphasis on AT&S's positive outlook and the robust growth of the Chinese semiconductor market overshadows potential negative aspects or uncertainties.
Language Bias
The language used is largely positive and optimistic, using phrases such as "unchanged confidence," "strong resilience," and "much room for growth." While these are factual observations, they are presented in a way that emphasizes the positive aspects and downplays any potential challenges. For instance, instead of 'unchanged confidence', a more neutral phrase would be 'continued confidence'. The descriptions of the Chinese market growth are also presented with very positive language.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the positive outlook of AT&S in China and their continued investment. While it mentions potential impacts on end clients and supply chain stability due to US-China trade tensions, it doesn't delve into the specifics of those potential impacts or explore alternative perspectives on the situation. The article also omits discussion of potential downsides or risks associated with AT&S's continued investment in China, such as political instability or economic fluctuations. The rapid growth of the Chinese semiconductor market is highlighted, but a balanced view of challenges and limitations within the market is absent.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a largely positive view of AT&S's strategy and the future of the Chinese semiconductor market, without fully acknowledging potential complexities or alternative scenarios. For example, the narrative frames the 'China plus one' strategy as something that hasn't affected AT&S, implying a straightforward success, while ignoring the potential complexities and strategic trade-offs involved in such a strategy.
Gender Bias
The article primarily focuses on the statements and perspectives of Zhu Jinping, the chairman of AT&S China, a male executive. There is no mention of other key figures or perspectives from within AT&S or the broader Chinese semiconductor industry, which could include women in significant roles. The lack of diversity in representation limits a comprehensive understanding of different viewpoints and perspectives.
Sustainable Development Goals
AT&S Group's continued investment in China, focusing on production localization, technology innovation (embedding technology, optical transceivers), and building smart and green factories, directly contributes to SDG 9. Their cooperation with Chinese companies on high-end packaging, material R&D, and reliability tests further boosts innovation and infrastructure development within the Chinese semiconductor industry.