SEPTEMBERASIA BUSINESS OUTLOOK9DEEPSEEK TO LAUNCH ADVANCED AI AGENT MODEL IN 2025NEWSROOMDeepSeek, a Hangzhou-based AI startup, is preparing to launch a new artificial intelligence model with advanced AI agent features, aiming to compete with leading US firms such as OpenAI. According to sources, the unveiling is targeted for Q4 2025.The upcoming model is designed to perform complex, multi-step tasks with minimal user input, showcasing an ability to learn from past actions--a key feature that distinguishes agent-style AI from standard chatbots. By focusing on autonomous problem-solving and contextual learning, DeepSeek seeks to position itself at the forefront of the AI agent revolution.The startup had earlier gained industry attention in January 2025 with the release of DeepSeek R1, an AI model recognized for its strong reasoning abilities and impressive benchmark performance. However, since then, it has introduced only incremental updates, while global competitors in both the US and China have accelerated their rollouts of new models and features.DeepSeek's shift towards agent-based models aligns with a wider trend in the AI sector, where companies are moving beyond conversational chatbots to create intelligent digital agents capable of executing sophisticated, real-world tasks. This evolution reflects growing enterprise and consumer demand for tools that not only answer questions but also act, adapt, and optimize over time.If successfully executed, DeepSeek's new launch could strengthen China's AI competitiveness while shaping the global race for next-generation AI capabilities. The United States government has revoked Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.'s (TSMC) authorization to freely ship US-made chipmaking equipment to its Nanjing, China facility, effective December 31, 2025.The move, part of Washington's tightening export controls, could create supply challenges for TSMC, though analysts note its limited impact compared to Korean rivals. According to Macquarie Group, if license approvals are delayed, TSMC's Nanjing plant could face operational disruptions within months due to equipment shortages. To mitigate risks, TSMC may re-direct orders from its Japanese plant and stockpile spare parts ahead of the deadline, said Morningstar analyst Phelix Lee.The Nanjing site accounts for only 3 percent of TSMC's total capacity, producing lower-margin 16nm and 28nm chips, meaning the financial impact will be relatively minor. In contrast, SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics face far greater consequences, as about 30 percent of SK Hynix's DRAM/NAND output and over a third of Samsung's DRAM production are based in China. Shares of SK Hynix fell 4.4 percent and Samsung dropped 2.3 percent following the announcement.Analysts highlight how geographic production strategies determine vulnerability to geopolitical restrictions in the semiconductor sector. The export control echoes the 1986 US-Japan Semiconductor Agreement, though the new measures are more targeted.Instead of blanket import restrictions, the US is focusing on export licensing for equipment, allowing existing operations while blocking capacity expansion. This calibrated approach aims to curb China's semiconductor growth without directly inflating chip prices for US buyers. US REVOKES TSMC WAIVER FOR CHINA CHIP EQUIPMENT· DeepSeek to unveil an AI agent model in Q4 2025· New system will perform multi-step tasks and learn from past actions· Launch aims to position DeepSeek as a global AI competitor· US revokes TSMC's authorization to ship US-made equipment to Nanjing· Impact on TSMC minimal as Nanjing makes only 3 percent of capacity in low-margin chips· SK Hynix and Samsung face greater risks with major China-based production
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