Micron plans $9.6 billion HBM fab in Japan as AI memory race accelerates

Micron is set to invest $9.6 billion in a new high-bandwidth memory (HBM) facility in Japan, with construction starting in May 2022 and shipments expected by 2028. The Japanese government may provide up to 500 billion yen in subsidies for the project. This move comes as HBM becomes a critical component in the AI supply chain, with Micron aiming to increase its market share through strategic partnerships with Nvidia and AMD. The expansion aligns with the industry's shift towards next-generation AI accelerators requiring advanced memory technologies. Japan's efforts to attract foreign chipmakers, like Micron, are part of a broader strategy to enhance domestic semiconductor capabilities.