In a recent development, the US govt imposed new chip curbs on China that may affect the growth opportunities of Samsung. KoreaHerald reports that the new US chip restrictions on China may have a limited impact on Samsung Elec.

The new HBM export ban on China may harm Samsung Elec’s growth opportunities. On December 2nd, the US announced a new set of measures to ban the export of critical chips and chip equipment, including HBM, to China.

The rules include new controls on 24 types of semiconductor manufacturing equipment and 3 types of software tools for developing or producing semiconductors, as follows:

• New controls on high-bandwidth memory (HBM)
• New red flag guidance to address compliance and diversion concerns
• 140 Entity List additions and 14 modifications spanning PRC tool manufacturers, semiconductor fabs, and investment companies involved in advancing the PRC government’s military modernization
• Several critical regulatory changes to enhance the effectiveness of our previous controls.

The HBM chips are critical components used in AI chips, for AI training and inference at scale. Products made using American technology are prohibited from export to China, given the Foreign Direct Product Rule.

Korea’s Samsung and SK Hynix and US-based Micron are the only chipmakers that make HBM chips. However, these firms will no longer be eligible to sell HBM semiconductors to China, starting December 31, 2024.

Samsung reportedly generates 20% of its HBM sales from China. It has been selling older HBM2 and HBM2E chips to China. As the company won’t be able to export the cutting-edge chips, the business may be harmed.

Today, Samsung unveiled this year’s Art Basel collection includes modern and contemporary artworks such as Irwin’s Garden by Fred Tomaselli and Mostly Clear by Candida Alvarez, with new pieces set to be added next year.

Samsung is showcasing 16 works of art displayed at Art Basel through its “Samsung Art Store.” Art Basel, the world’s largest art fair dedicated to modern and contemporary art, is held annually in Paris, Hong Kong, Miami, and Basel.

Samsung Art Store is a subscription service for art displayed through Samsung TVs, offering around 2,500 works from renowned museums and artists worldwide in 4K quality.

From December 6th to 8th, during the Art Basel Miami Beach exhibition, the company will set up a Samsung Art Store Collector’s Lounge where visitors can enjoy these artworks through the Samsung Frame TV.

“Our collaboration with Samsung allows us to extend that reach like never before by broadening access to leading galleries and significant works from established artists to a new generation of emerging talents.” – Noah Horowitz, CEO of Art Basel

Samsung offers the opportunity to experience exceptional art through The Frame under the concept of ‘Bringing Art Home. Exhibition attendees will also have the chance to see exclusive bezels for The Frame, presented by DecoTVFrames.

“Through Samsung’s Art Store and the lifelike visuals of The Frame, we are making it possible for anyone to experience Art Basel and take part in an iconic cultural moment.” – Yong Su Kim, EVP and Global Head of Video Services and Partnerships [at Samsung].

The 2024 Korea Advertising Awards honored Samsung for its Galaxy Watch Ultra campaign. The company today announced that it has won the Grand Prize in the ‘Social Communication’ category for the “‘GO ULTRA Challenge.”

The Korea Advertising Association, which organized the 2024 Korea Advertising Awards praised the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra campaign for effectively conveying features and brand philosophy through authentic stories.

In addition, the Korea Advertising Association also highlighted how Samsung’s Watch Ultra campaign fostered brand affinity among the younger generation and inspired Galaxy users to feel touched and proud.

GO ULTRA Challenge tells the story of CJ Park:

A cyclist and YouTuber who lost one of his legs in an accident, but challenges himself to push his limits. The protagonist completes a 294km ride in about 14 hours with the Galaxy Watch Ultra, delivering an inspiring and emotional experience.

Jang So-yeon, Vice President of Samsung Electronics’ Korea Marketing Team, said, “We are very happy and honored to receive the Korea Advertising Award for campaigns that communicated the authenticity and values of the Galaxy brand. Moving forward, we will continue to create campaigns that resonate with consumers and strengthen our bond with them.”

Voices of Galaxy

Apart from this, the Korean tech giant has also scored a Bronze in the “Online Video” category with the “Voices of Galaxy” campaign for the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Z Fold 6.

The ‘Voices of Galaxy’ campaign showcased the diverse stories of celebrities such as Park Eun-bin and Pani Bottle, as well as regular users, through digital videos and photo shoots.