International News 22 January 2025
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iPhone sales in China experienced a decline of 18.2% in the previous year
iPhone sales in China experienced a substantial decline of 18.2% during the final quarter of the year, representing the most significant setback for Apple in its second largest market. This decline has led to a shift in market share, with Huawei Technologies Co. taking the leading position in China's smartphone market. This decline in China also contributed to a 5% decrease in Apple's global sales. The disappointing sales figures point to a loss of momentum for the latest generation of iPhones in China, where the new artificial intelligence (AI) services offered by Apple cannot be fully utilised due to a lack of local infrastructure and partnerships. Apple is currently in negotiations with various large companies and startups in China, but no agreements have been reached yet. In contrast, Huawei experienced an increase in sales of 15.5%, driven by the launch of the mid-range Nova 13 series and the new
https://internasional.kontan.co.id/news/penjualan-iphone-di-china-merosot-182-pada-tahun-lalu
TSMC says business operations are normal after earthquake
TSMC, a leading semiconductor manufacturer, has announced that its manufacturing facilities in Taiwan remain operational following a 6.4-magnitude earthquake that struck the country. The company has stated that there was only minor damage to its factories, and that workers suffered only minor injuries. TSMC implemented precautionary measures and evacuated personnel from multiple sites following the earthquake. Post-earthquake inspections have confirmed that the structures are safe, and operations are gradually resuming. TSMC has also confirmed that its water supply, electricity, and workplace safety systems are functioning normally at all locations. Further inspections are underway to assess the full impact of the earthquake. TSMC construction sites have not been affected, and workers have resumed their routine operations. Taiwan is a seismically active region, due to its proximity to tectonic plates, and the last major earthquake occurred in April.
https://internasional.kontan.co.id/news/tsmc-menyebut-operasi-bisnis-berjalan-normal-usai-gempa
Winning Big! China discovers gold treasure in a number of regions, here's the total
The Ministry of Natural Resources of the People's Republic of China has announced significant gold discoveries in Gansu Province, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, and Heilongjiang Province. The total amount of newly identified gold resources is 168 tonnes. Of these, Gansu has contributed 102.4 tonnes of gold, classified as super large deposits, while Inner Mongolia has obtained 41.3 tonnes and Heilongjiang has added 24.3 tonnes. The exploration work, supported by the central government, is focused on key mining areas and 24 major gold resource bases across the country. Utilising advanced techniques such as big data and predictive models, 47 target zones have been identified and 35 block proposals have been submitted. This breakthrough in gold exploration has provided valuable guidance for local companies and contributed to regional economic growth. Furthermore, China's recent evaluation of mineral resources has resulted in substantial growth in gold, tantalum, rare earth, and zircon reserves.