The Trump administration's aggressive tariff policies have unleashed a new wave of disruption across the global electronics supply chain. Following China's retaliatory move to impose an 84% tariff, Trump responded on Wednesday by raising tariffs on Chinese goods to 125%, while maintaining that Beijing remains interested in reaching an agreement. The escalating conflict has already begun to impact supply chains, with signs of halted shipments from major brands and mounting concerns over the ability to redirect sales to other markets

SK Group is looking to sell its majority stake in semiconductor wafer manufacturer SK Siltron, according to South Korean media reports citing industry sources. The conglomerate has reportedly been in talks with private equity firms since late 2024, with Hahn & Company emerging as a potential buyer

The 90-day tariff suspension is a tactical move to stabilize the US economy while ramping up pressure on China, says DIGITIMES VP Eric Huang, who sees the move as the start of a new phase in trade negotiations

Foxconn announced on April 9 in Tokyo its ambitious plans to enter the electric vehicle (EV) market, with multiple vehicle models expected to launch beginning in 2027. The announcement signals Foxconn's commitment to expanding its footprint in the burgeoning EV sector, with a special focus on collaboration with Japanese automakers

Since taking office, President Trump has positioned tariffs as both a strategic tool for national security and a means to bolster the US economy. The ongoing tariffs on Asian nations are just the beginning, with expectations of further actions against these countries in the future. Meanwhile, the Asia-Pacific stock markets have hit a significant low, and national crises are unfolding across the region. How these countries respond will be pivotal not only for their economic stability but also for the global supply chain and the broader world economy

Some luxury car brands have found it difficult to adapt to vehicle electrification, such as Maserati and Porsche, both of which have seen sales dip

Japan's MinebeaMitsumi is preparing to launch a counteroffer to acquire Shibaura Electronics, positioning itself as a white knight in response to a hostile takeover bid by Taiwan-based Yageo. Shibaura Electronics confirmed on April 10 that MinebeaMitsumi's proposal will be reviewed by its board, with both companies scheduled to hold a joint press conference later in the day

As the US-China trade war intensifies, Chinese memory module manufacturers are ramping up procurement efforts to secure inventory for at least two to three quarters. Industry insiders reveal that fears of supply chain disruptions, exacerbated by escalating tariff barriers, have prompted these firms to accelerate stockpiling. This unexpected surge in demand has bolstered upstream suppliers and supply chain operations, enabling some companies to meet sales targets ahead of schedule

In a surprising move, US President Donald Trump declared a 90-day tariff suspension for most nations, setting a universal rate of 10% to encourage trade negotiations amidst market instability. Meanwhile, tariffs on China will sharply increase to 125% immediately

Hong Kong is set to host its premier technology showcases this spring, as the 3rd edition of the Hong Kong International Innovation & Technology Expo (InnoEX) and the 21st spring edition of the Hong Kong Electronics Fair will take place from April 13-16, 2025 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. These twin fairs serve as the core events of the city's "Business of Innovation and Technology Week" (BIT Week), spotlighting cutting-edge innovations and the latest electronics trends

Japan's Nikkei 225 plummeted more than 1,700 points, or over 5%, on April 9 as the latest set of US tariffs, including a massive 104% levy on Chinese imports, took effect. Rising trade tensions between the US and China have created uncertainty for businesses operating within China, including Apple. The tech giant's iPhone production is significantly dependent on Chinese manufacturing, which could be impacted by the ongoing economic dispute

Beijing's push to dominate third-generation semiconductor technology is taking shape along divergent paths, with silicon carbide (SiC) development now accelerating after overcoming technical hurdles while gallium nitride (GaN) leader Innoscience secures important legal victories in its global expansion

Samsung Electronics Executive Chairman Lee Jae-yong, currently visiting Japan, is expected to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to discuss potential cooperation in reviving Japan's electronics and semiconductor industries

In response to significant upheavals in both domestic and international environments, China's automotive industry is rapidly consolidating. This includes the long-rumored mergers among state-owned enterprises (SOEs), which are becoming increasingly clear. Meanwhile, foreign automakers with relatively weak manufacturing capabilities in new energy vehicles must expedite partnerships with Chinese companies; otherwise, their survival space in the Chinese market may be further squeezed