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Monday 10 February 2025
Decoding Taiwan-US semiconductor trade ties (Part 2): TSMC's fast track to US 2nm production
In 2025, Taiwan's total export value reached US$475.07 billion—its second-best performance since 2022. Over the past two years, amid the US-China trade war, the semiconductor industry's market leadership has shifted from tech giants like Microsoft, Apple, Nvidia, and HP to the US government. The administration's rapid and ever-changing tariff policies now threaten to leave manufacturers scrambling
Saturday 8 February 2025
Decoding Taiwan-US semiconductor trade ties (Part 1): what Taiwan's export mix reveals
In 2024, Taiwan's total exports reached US$475 billion, with 65.2% of that coming from electronics. This clearly shows that the electronics sector not only drives Taiwan's export momentum but also significantly influences shifts in the overall export structure
Thursday 6 February 2025
Will automakers weather the tariff storm?
Amid successive tariff measures imposed by the US and Chinese governments, automakers are grappling with challenges on multiple fronts
Tuesday 4 February 2025
Trump 2.0 charts new course for US AI policy
In a bold reset of America's artificial intelligence strategy, President Trump has begun dismantling the regulatory framework of the previous administration, while simultaneously launching one of the most ambitious AI initiatives in US history. His first move: was revoking Executive Order 14110 on AI policy, while keeping intact the more recent Executive Orders 14141 (2025 AI Infrastructure EO) and 14144 (2025 Cybersecurity EO)
Tuesday 4 February 2025
If Taiwan can't offset Trump's policies, trade and investment may slow
Amid US President Donald Trump's new wave of protectionist policies, Taiwan must reexamine how to deepen its mutually beneficial trade partnership with the US
Monday 3 February 2025
Trump 2.0 prospects: tariffs spark potential three-way supply chain realignment
President Trump's administration has escalated trade tensions since taking office, implementing a 25% tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico and a 10% tariff on Chinese imports since February 1, 2025. The administration is considering additional tariffs targeting semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, steel, aluminum, copper, and oil and gas by mid-February. Potential tariff measures against the European Union are also under consideration
Friday 31 January 2025
DeepSeek's disruption: what it means for TSMC and the AI supply chain
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is an unstoppable trend. The US will remain strong, not just with OpenAI. Since DeepSeek has broken through the existing frameworks of Chinese enterprises and operates on an open-source model, there will likely be others in the US who will follow suit
Friday 31 January 2025
DeepSeek disruption: Could China's supply chain take the lead?
Just before the Lunar New Year celebrations around the world, a black swan emerged, plunging the global technology industry into a state of extreme uncertainty
Thursday 30 January 2025
EMS watch: top-down observation on supply chain
The global tech landscape has undergone significant transformation since the COVID-19 outbreak in 2019. Government subsidies totaling US$17 trillion, combined with the surge in remote work, have propelled tech giants to unprecedented heights. Currently, nine tech companies have achieved market valuations exceeding US$1 trillion. Including TSMC, these companies command a combined market value of US$18 trillion, demonstrating the concentrated wealth accumulation among select tech giants. This concentration of capital has created opportunities for companies within their supply chains to capture value
Thursday 30 January 2025
Taiwan's mature chip makers need their own major league
Recent US Section 301 tariffs targeting China's semiconductor industry have spotlighted the mature process segment. While the definition of mature processes remains somewhat fluid, it generally encompasses nodes of 15nm and above that Chinese manufacturers can produce, though some definitions extend to 7nm
Wednesday 29 January 2025
EMS Watch: Business insights on emerging economies 2025
When analyzing the industrial development of emerging economies, key metrics like gross margin, operating margin, inventories, and accounts payable reveal clear differences between Chinese and Taiwanese companies. Luxshare, now third in revenue, stands out for maintaining its margins amid rapid sales growth. This achievement goes beyond government subsidies, showcasing the company's bold ambition and strategic approach to navigating complex challenges in a competitive market
Tuesday 28 January 2025
EMS Watch: insights on the ranking shifts of the EMS sector
In the rapidly evolving global electronics manufacturing services (EMS) industry, the dominance of major players continues to shape the competitive landscape. While the notion that "the bigger, the stronger" seems to be the prevailing trend, crucial insights lie beneath the headline figures
Friday 24 January 2025
From titans to transitions, what's left for HTC and VIA?
Before the Lunar New Year, HTC disclosed that a portion of its extended reality (XR) research and development team would be incorporated into Google during the first quarter of 2025. Furthermore, Google will acquire non-exclusive licensing rights to HTC's XR intellectual property for a sum of US$250 million
Friday 24 January 2025
US reduces AI regulatory oversight, shifts to industry self-regulation
In a sweeping policy shift, the Trump administration has repealed 78 executive orders from former President Joe Biden's administration, including crucial directives on AI development and safety protocols. This dramatic rollback has fueled speculation about the new administration's strategy to accelerate US-based AI companies' growth
Wednesday 22 January 2025
Nvidia GB200 thermal issues may impact SK Hynix's 1Q25 outlook
Industry sources indicate that thermal issues associated with GB200 have prompted major clients including Microsoft, Amazon, Google, and Meta to reduce their orders, impacting not only Nvidia's product sales and revenue but also creating significant implications for its primary HBM supplier, SK Hynix