Integrated circuit firms go back at work

Almost all of Shanghai's integrated circuit firms have resumed work, the city's industry regulator said on Thursday. It also announced a new US$2.2 billion investment in a new chip plant.

The firms, including SMIC, Huahong and GTC Semiconductor, produce chips, sensors and other components for 5G, medical devices and other sectors, according to the city’s Commission of Economy and Information Technology. 

Shanghai, along with the Yangtze Rive Delta region, has the most advanced and complete integrated circuit industry chain on the Chinese mainland. 

Shanghai’s SMIC and Huahong are among the world’s top 10 wafer plants, according to research firm TrendForce.

A new wafer plant, with an initial investment of US$2.2 billion, will be built in the Lingang area of Shanghai. It will start operation around 2023 with a monthly capacity of 60,000 units for image sensor chips, the commission said.