Company Directory - United Microelectronics Corporation
CCI Score
CCI Score: United Microelectronics Corporation
13.29
Latest Event
UMC Executives Indicted Amid Political Investment Controversy
Two top UMC executives, Bob Tsao and John Hsuan, were indicted in Taiwan over alleged illegal investments in a Chinese semiconductor company. The indictments, issued by the Hsinchu District Prosecutor’s Office and surrounded by politically charged claims, led to their resignation and subsequent appointment as special advisers, while UMC maintained that the charges are politically motivated.
Take Action
So what can you do? Support UMC by shopping, spreading the word, or offering your support.
- Shop Alternatives
SEE ALL - Use Your Voice
OTHER TOOLS - Investigate
- Share the Score
SUPPORT CCI
SABOTEUR
United Microelectronics Corporation is currently rated as a Saboteur.
Latest Events
JUN012025Two top UMC executives, Bob Tsao and John Hsuan, were indicted in Taiwan over alleged illegal investments in a Chinese semiconductor company. The indictments, issued by the Hsinchu District Prosecutor’s Office and surrounded by politically charged claims, led to their resignation and subsequent appointment as special advisers, while UMC maintained that the charges are politically motivated.
-40
Public and Political Behavior
April 4
The indictment of top executives in a politically sensitive context underscores problematic intersections between corporate operations and state influence. The claim that the indictments are politically motivated further illustrates the potential for business activities to be entangled with partisan governmental pressures, raising significant concerns under the Public and Political Behavior category.
-30
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
April 4
Allegations of illegal investments and subsequent executive resignations point to potential lapses in ethical business practices and corporate governance. The incident raises questions about internal oversight and accountability, thereby negatively impacting the company’s performance in the Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility domain.
- MAY012025
A court case against former UMC executives, accused of aiding the establishment of a Chinese semiconductor venture in violation of Taiwanese law, is set to begin in May. Meanwhile, UMC, distancing itself from the executives’ actions, awaits word on an appeal over a prior NT$5 million fine—a situation that raises questions about corporate governance and accountability in the context of politically sensitive investments.
-20
Public and Political Behavior
April 4
The legal proceedings and the handling of the appeal underscore potential lapses in transparent political behavior. The case highlights issues related to politically sensitive decisions and regulatory oversight, which may have broader implications for public trust.
-40
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
April 4
The situation raises serious concerns about internal oversight and ethical responsibility. Despite claiming no direct involvement, UMC’s connection to the ex-executives and its pursuit of an appeal over a fine point to potential shortcomings in corporate governance and accountability.
- APR012025
Reports indicate that UMC is exploring a potential merger with GlobalFoundries. The move is seen as a strategic business consolidation aimed at creating a more resilient semiconductor manufacturer amid heightened geopolitical tension and tariff threats from the Trump administration. UMC officials have so far refrained from commenting on the matter.
+0
Economic and Structural Influence
April 4
The explored merger appears to be a conventional business strategy to achieve economies of scale and market resilience without clear evidence of political maneuvering in support of authoritarian ideologies. As such, its impact on economic and structural influence is assessed as neutral from an anti-fascist perspective.
- JAN012025
UMC has published a comprehensive Code of Conduct on its website outlining its commitment to ethics, legal compliance, labor rights, and human rights, while underscoring its political neutrality and sustainable practices consistent with international standards.
+20
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
April 4
UMC explicitly states that it remains politically neutral and does not participate in political campaigns or make political contributions. This stance avoids potential support for far‐right or authoritarian initiatives, which is viewed positively from an anti‑fascist perspective.
+70
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
April 4
The Code of Conduct robustly emphasizes labor relations and human rights practices. It outlines comprehensive policies on anti-discrimination, fair employment, workplace safety, and respect for human rights, which are critical components in resisting authoritarian practices and protecting marginalized communities.
- DEC172024
UMC has been selected for inclusion in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) World Index for the 17th consecutive year and received an 'AA' rating from MSCI ESG Ratings. The company was highlighted for its ambitious environmental targets, including a 26% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and a pledge to reach a 42% reduction by 2030, as well as its progressive governance practices such as enhanced board diversity and linking employee compensation to ESG performance.
+60
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
April 4
UMC’s repeated inclusion in prestigious sustainability indices and its proactive ESG initiatives—including ambitious emissions reduction targets and enhanced corporate governance with independent and diverse board representation—demonstrate a strong commitment to ethical business practices that support progressive and anti-authoritarian values.
- OCT152024
Chinese authorities have imposed sanctions on United Microelectronics Corp (UMC) founder Robert Tsao and DPP legislator Puma Shen for alleged pro-Taiwan independence activities. Tsao, noted for his previous advocacy and significant donation to Taiwan’s civil defense training through the Kuma Academy, has been targeted amid escalating tensions between China and Taiwan.
+80
Executive Political Engagement
April 4
UMC founder Robert Tsao has demonstrated significant executive political engagement by funding Taiwan’s civil defense initiatives through a NT$1 billion donation. Despite his earlier pro-unification stance, his recent actions have aligned with reinforcing democratic defense against authoritarian pressure, making his political engagement strongly anti-authoritarian. The sanction imposed by China is viewed as a politically motivated action against a figure supporting Taiwan’s democratic resilience.
- MAY272024
UMC has secured new long‑term partnerships with Texas Instruments, Infineon, and received sizable orders from MediaTek and Realtek following U.S. sanctions that have shifted global semiconductor supply chains away from China. This strategic business move highlights UMC’s growing role in a reoriented market that reduces dependency on authoritarian-controlled production.
+30
Economic and Structural Influence
April 4
The new orders and partnerships indicate that UMC is capitalizing on a global shift prompted by U.S. sanctions targeting China's semiconductor industry. By enhancing its production capacity and securing long-term deals, UMC is indirectly supporting a move away from authoritarian influence in critical technology sectors. This economic realignment contributes positively to the democratic market environment.
US sanctions against China boost UMC's production — Taiwanese fab sees growth, but so does China
- DEC112023
UMC has been recognized for its long-term commitment to sustainable development and ethical business practices by being included for the 16th consecutive year in the DJSI and achieving an AA rating in the MSCI ESG evaluation. The company’s high scores across environmental, social, and governance dimensions—particularly in business ethics, innovation management, and talent development—underscore its efforts to set high ESG standards and promote an equitable, transparent corporate culture.
+80
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
April 4
UMC's consistent ESG performance, as reflected by its 16-year inclusion in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices and its impressive AA rating from MSCI ESG, demonstrates robust sustainable practices and ethical business operations. Its emphasis on environmental policies, corporate governance, and equitable talent development aligns with anti-authoritarian values and promotes social responsibility.
UMC Recognized for ESG Strength With DJSI World & Emerging Markets Index and MSCI-ESG AA Rating
- OCT012023
UMC has published its human rights page detailing comprehensive policies on labor rights, non-discrimination, zero tolerance for harassment, and protections for marginalized groups. The policy outlines clear procedures for addressing workplace grievances and emphasizes adherence to international human rights standards.
+80
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
April 4
UMC's detailed publication of human rights and labor policies—including strict non-discrimination, harassment prevention, and mechanisms for stakeholder communication—demonstrates a strong commitment to upholding labor rights and protecting marginalized communities. This aligns with progressive, anti-fascist values by actively promoting fair labor practices and ethical business conduct.
- JAN012023
UMC has been recognized for the 16th consecutive year on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices, earning top rankings among its semiconductor foundry peers, and has demonstrated strong performance in corporate governance, sustainability, and inclusive workplace practices.
+70
Public and Political Behavior
April 4
UMC’s consistent top-five ranking in corporate governance evaluations and its long record of inclusion in sustainable indices indicate strong, transparent public and political behavior that supports democratic principles and accountability.
16th Year of Inclusion in DJSI Underscores UMC's ESG Strength - EE Times Asia
+80
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
April 4
UMC's long-term inclusion in the DJSI along with high marks in business ethics, environmental policies, and innovation management highlights exemplary business practices and ethical responsibility that contribute positively to societal well-being.
16th Year of Inclusion in DJSI Underscores UMC's ESG Strength - EE Times Asia
+70
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
April 4
UMC’s commitment to talent development, retention, and fostering a diverse, equal, and inclusive workplace environment is a positive reflection of strong labor relations and respect for human rights.
16th Year of Inclusion in DJSI Underscores UMC's ESG Strength - EE Times Asia
- SEP162022
United Microelectronics Corp (UMC) is reportedly exploring a merger with U.S. contract chipmaker GlobalFoundries, aiming to create a larger company with a global production footprint. The proposed merger comes amid American efforts to mitigate risks in the Taiwan Strait and to counter growing competition from China in mature chip production.
+20
Public and Political Behavior
April 4
The potential merger aligns with UMC supporting US strategic interests by contributing to a robust, secure chip supply chain. This move is seen as a response to geopolitical pressures in the Taiwan Strait and an effort to decrease reliance on authoritarian-influenced supply chains, reflecting pro-democratic behavior.
GlobalFoundries weighs merger with No. 2 Taiwan chipmaker UMC: sources
+25
Economic and Structural Influence
April 4
By exploring this merger, UMC is positioning itself to be part of a larger, economically robust entity capable of ensuring a reliable supply of mature chips. This structural move enhances democratic and secure economic infrastructure, reducing the influence of authoritarian competitors.
GlobalFoundries weighs merger with No. 2 Taiwan chipmaker UMC: sources
- NOV012020
United Microelectronics Corporation pleaded guilty to intellectual property theft from Micron, involving the recruitment of ex-employees and concealment of sensitive design data. This unethical business practice undermines market fairness and corporate accountability.
-80
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
March 27
UMC's guilty plea for IP theft from Micron highlights a serious breach of ethical business practices. The company recruited ex-Micron employees to gain access to proprietary DRAM design information and deliberately concealed incriminating evidence using off-network computers. This not only undermines intellectual property rights but also reflects a broader disregard for ethical responsibility in corporate conduct—a factor that can indirectly perpetuate authoritarian practices by favoring unscrupulous business behavior over transparency and accountability.
United Microelectronics Corp. Pleads Guilty to Micron IP Theft
- OCT302020
United Microelectronics Corporation (UMC) pleaded guilty in a San Francisco court to trade secret theft from Micron, resulting in a significant fine and raising serious concerns about unethical business practices. The illicit transfer of intellectual property, which ultimately benefited a Chinese state-owned enterprise (Fujian Jinhua), not only undermines corporate ethical responsibility but also supports economic actions that may indirectly bolster authoritarian state objectives.
-70
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
March 27
UMC's guilty plea to trade secret theft represents a significant breach of ethical business practices. By transferring valuable technology to benefit a Chinese state-owned enterprise, UMC not only violated corporate responsibility but may also have bolstered the economic capabilities of an authoritarian regime. This behavior raises concerns about the company’s commitment to ethical standards and transparency in its business practices.
Taiwain's UMC pleads guilty to Micron IP theft – Blocks and Files
-50
Economic and Structural Influence
March 27
The unauthorized technology transfer from UMC to Fujian Jinhua, a Chinese state-owned enterprise, carries broader economic implications. By facilitating the advancement of DRAM process technology, UMC’s actions may indirectly contribute to strengthening the competitive position of a state-backed entity within an authoritarian framework, thereby influencing global economic power structures.
Taiwain's UMC pleads guilty to Micron IP theft – Blocks and Files
- OCT282020
UMC pleaded guilty to criminal trade secret theft and was fined $60 million, indicating a serious breach in ethical business practices that undermines fair competition and contributes indirectly to a corporate environment that may favor authoritarian practices.
-80
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
March 27
UMC's guilty plea in a high-profile trade secret theft case highlights a deliberate breach of ethical responsibility. By engaging in criminal misappropriation of intellectual property to benefit a foreign state-owned enterprise, UMC not only violated U.S. law but also undermined fair business standards and democratic principles. Such unethical behavior, when left unchecked, erodes trust in corporate governance and indirectly supports a system where corporate interests may align with repressive practices.
- NOV022018
A U.S. grand jury indicted United Microelectronics Corp for allegedly stealing trade secrets from Micron Technology, with charges implicating its collaboration with a Chinese state‐owned enterprise. The indictment raises concerns over UMC's adherence to ethical business practices and its economic engagement with entities linked to authoritarian regimes, potentially undermining fair competition and corporate accountability.
-40
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
April 4
UMC's indictment for alleged trade secret theft from a U.S.-based competitor represents a significant lapse in ethical business practices. Such actions damage market fairness and trust in corporate accountability, which are crucial for safeguarding democratic economic systems.
U.S. Indictment Threatens China Business Of Giant Taiwanese Chipmaker UMC
-50
Economic Collaboration
April 4
The indictment also highlights UMC's alleged association with a Chinese state-owned enterprise, raising red flags about its economic collaborations. Engagement with state-backed entities from authoritarian regimes can compromise market integrity and democratic oversight in international business relations.
U.S. Indictment Threatens China Business Of Giant Taiwanese Chipmaker UMC
Alternatives
Dallas, United States
3.67
Dallas, United States
33.49
Boise, USA
-0.60
Santa Clara, United States
-9.40
Hsinchu, Taiwan
13.43
Kaohsiung, Taiwan
67.75
Hsinchu, Taiwan
6.30
Hsinchu, Taiwan
-36.13
Germany
40.90
Santa Clara, United States
31.68
Corporate Financials
- Revenue
- 2025
- $1.91B
- Total Assets
- 2025
- $9.60B
- Operating Income
- 2025
- $750.00M
- Total Equity
- 2025
- $4.40B
Industries
- 334412
- Bare Printed Circuit Board Manufacturing
- 334413
- Semiconductor and Related Device Manufacturing
- 334418
- Printed Circuit Assembly (Electronic Assembly) Manufacturing
- 334419
- Other Electronic Component Manufacturing