UMC: UMC-GlobalFoundries merger unlikely: talks stall and chip market sours

Amid growing concerns over semiconductor supply chain resilience and geopolitical tensions, industry speculation has emerged about potential consolidation in the global foundry sector. Nikkei Asia recently reported that Taiwan's United Microelectronics Corporation (UMC) and US-based GlobalFoundries are considering a merger that would significantly expand their combined presence across Asia, the US, and Europe. Such a move would potentially strengthen US access to legacy chips - critical components in numerous industries - amid increasing concerns over Taiwan Strait tensions.