Taiwan's silicon carbide (SiC) wafer foundry sector has received a confidence boost after Vanguard International Semiconductor (VIS), a specialty foundry affiliated with TSMC, announced an NT$2.48 billion investment in Episil Technologies via a private placement earlier this month. The pair formed a partnership targeting an 8-inch SiC foundry

Apple's iPhone 16 has seen lower-than-expected initial sales, deepening concerns for South Korean display manufacturers. According to recent reports from South Korean media, LG Display (LGD) is facing particularly severe challenges

Intel is currently facing an unprecedented crisis and recently decided to spin off Intel Foundry (IF), hoping to revive its foundry business by adopting TSMC's "no competition with customers" model. This move has raised industry discussions about whether Samsung Electronics might follow suit

STMicroelectronics, while expanding production capacities in France and Italy, is also collaborating with Sanan Optoelectronics to establish a SiC fab in Chongqing, underscoring China's significant role in the automotive and semiconductor supply chains

Despite AI-driven growth in the semiconductor industry, South Korea is facing a critical shortage of skilled workers. A preference among students for medical degrees and aggressive recruitment by the US and China have worsened the talent drain

The US Department of Commerce (DOC) recently proposed a ban on automotive software and hardware technology and equipment from China and Russia entering the US market. Sino Auto Insights commented that the Biden administration's move could close a significant loophole in previous tariff measures on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs)

Leading OEM and automobile firms, including Foxconn, BYD, and Xiaomi, are showcasing their collaborative robots (cobots) at the 2024 China International Industry Fair (CIIF), held in Shanghai from September 24 to 28. These major manufacturers have incorporated robots made by a range of local Chinese companies into their production lines, as they aim to gradually increase the ratio of robots in the manufacturing process.

Tencent Robotics X Lab recently unveiled its latest advancements in robot development, including its new general-purpose robot, The Five. This fifth-generation robot features a hybrid design with four legs and wheels, tactile skin and fingers, and the ability to safely interact with humans. The Five is slated to be tested in elderly care and other experimental situations, to perform simple interactive tasks such as carrying glasses of water or even patients

The US is intensifying restrictions on Chinese-made vehicles. Beyond the current 100% tariff on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), the US Department of Commerce (DOC) is reportedly preparing to ban the sale and use of Chinese vehicles with internet connectivity within US borders

Japan may have pioneered perovskite solar cell (PSC) technology, but mass production remains elusive. In China, however, at least six startups are racing ahead, building PSC factories with a flood of domestic and international investment to rapidly scale production

Samsung Electronics and Naver previously announced a collaboration to develop artificial intelligence (AI) accelerators for servers. However, recent reports suggest that the two companies have parted ways due to conflicts of interest and product competitiveness concerns. Samsung has opted for independent development and is now seeking new clients to replace Naver

Taiwan's government is urging local IC design houses to speed up their migration to advanced semiconductor manufacturing processes to avoid cut-throat pricing competition from China. However, industry sources say it is much more complicated than a technological issue

BYD and other Chinese electric vehicle (EV) makers are launching a range of fully electric SUVs that are intended to take on the Tesla Model Y. Chinese EV brands led by BYD have launched at least five electric SUVs since the beginning of September, all of which are aimed at competing in the same class as the Model Y

Huawei is preparing to launch its latest flagship Mate 70 series, a product bolstered by substantial government support and suppliers, particularly SMIC, who are reportedly sacrificing profits

Advanced Micro-Fabrication Equipment Inc. China (AMEC), a China-based semiconductor equipment supplier, announced the resignation of Senior Vice President Tuqiang Ni and Core Technical Expert Wei Yang, both citing personal reasons. Despite stepping down from their leadership roles, both individuals will remain employed at the company

China is poised to take the lead in the global market for mature semiconductor manufacturing processes as it continues to expand its production capacity. Industry experts warn that Taiwan may face stiff competition from China's "red supply chain," which could potentially engage in price dumping in the market for mature process chips