Key Takeaways
- SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won reaffirmed a $1.4 trillion "mega bet" on AI and semiconductors, calling the massive investment projects realistic and attainable.
- SpaceX successfully completed the 13th flight test of Starship (Ship 40), achieving the "softest splashdown ever" in the Indian Ocean and deploying 20 Starlink V3 satellites.
- Japan reported a major breakthrough in deep-sea mining, with recovered seabed mud containing 54% medium and heavy rare earth elements, a critical step in reducing reliance on China.
- The USDA announced a phased reopening of southern cattle ports, including Santa Teresa and Columbus, NM, contingent on Mexico's progress in controlling the New World screwworm (NWS).
SK Group’s $1.4 Trillion AI Vision
SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won has doubled down on the conglomerate's ambitious mid-to-long-term strategy, asserting that its announced "mega projects" are fully achievable. The plan involves a staggering 2,100 trillion won (approx. $1.4 trillion) investment, with SK Hynix (000660) slated to inject $710.5 billion into memory production belts in Yongin and Cheongju.
The aggressive expansion aims to capitalize on exponential growth in AI memory demand, which Chey predicts will jump 50-60% next year. To support this, SK Telecom will also invest $646 billion to establish 15GW of AI data centers nationwide. These moves are designed to transform South Korea from an AI consumer into a leading global exporter of AI infrastructure.
SpaceX Starship Achieves "Dream Scenario"
SpaceX reached a historic milestone on July 24, 2026, with the successful 13th integrated flight test of its Starship launch system. The mission, utilizing Booster 20 and Ship 40, concluded with what mission controllers described as the "softest splashdown ever" in the Indian Ocean. The spacecraft remained intact and floating long after impact, providing invaluable heat shield data for future reusability.
Beyond the landing success, the mission successfully deployed 20 next-generation Starlink V3 satellites, marking the first time these upgraded units have reached orbit via Starship. The flight also included a critical 14-second in-space relight of a single Raptor engine, demonstrating the maneuvering capabilities required for future complex orbital missions.
Japan Challenges China’s Rare Earth Dominance
In a significant move for global supply chain security, Japan announced that recent deep-sea drilling tests near Minamitorishima Island yielded high-quality rare earth minerals. Analysis of 50 tonnes of recovered mud showed that 54% of the content consisted of medium and heavy rare earth elements, including yttrium, dysprosium, and gadolinium.
These minerals are essential for semiconductors, electric vehicle magnets, and defense systems. Japan plans to launch a large-scale mining trial in February 2027, aiming to dredge 350 tons of mud per day. This initiative is a direct response to tightening export controls from China, which currently dominates the global rare earth market.
USDA Initiates Phased Border Reopening
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has begun operational measures to reopen key livestock ports of entry along the southern border. Starting August 24, 2026, the Douglas, AZ port will resume cattle trade, with subsequent openings planned for Santa Teresa and Columbus, NM.
Reopening remains strictly contingent on Mexico’s adherence to a Joint Action Plan to eradicate the New World screwworm. Every animal entering the U.S. will undergo full USDA inspection to protect the American livestock industry from the pest. The USDA emphasized that the timeline remains flexible, with further openings in Texas dependent on Mexico's continued progress toward biosecurity goals.
Ed Liston is a senior contributing editor at TheStockMarketWatch.com. An active market watcher and investor, Ed guides an independent team of experienced analysts and writes for multiple stock trader publications.