Semiconductors & AI Chips Weekly Briefing

July 17, 2026

TSMC and ASML post record results amid a surge in AI chip demand, while Intel reaches a major manufacturing milestone with High-NA EUV and more.

TSMC substantially expanded its presence in the United States, pledging an additional $100 billion to its Arizona operations for a total commitment of $265 billion. ¹²³⁴
TSMC reported a 77% surge in net income and record quarterly revenue as the global artificial intelligence boom drives unprecedented demand for advanced chips. ^5678910
ASML raised its full-year 2026 sales forecast following better-than-expected quarterly earnings and a surge in orders for its advanced lithography equipment. ^{11121314151617}
Intel achieved a major milestone by becoming the first company to ship high-volume logic chips using ASML's High-NA EUV scanners, while reporting significant yield improvements on its 18A node. ^{18192021222324}
Nvidia deepened its ties with Japan, launching the Cosmos 3 Edge model for vision reasoning and partnering with the government to build national AI infrastructure using next-generation Rubin chips. ^252627282930
The United States approved the shipment of a limited number of advanced AI chips to select Chinese buyers, even as Nvidia reportedly halved its Asian buyer list to tighten export controls. ^31323334
Other notable developments include Micron securing strategic memory agreements with automotive partners like Qualcomm, Samsung employees receiving 100% bonuses following an AI windfall, and Kioxia facing a $229 million patent verdict. ^35363738

Sources