Malaysia's role as a key node in the global semiconductor supply chain is drawing sharper scrutiny as it deepens industrial ties with China while facing mounting trade and export control pressures from the United States. The latest example is SuperSiC's new facility in Penang, launched by a subsidiary of China's JSG

US President Donald Trump has confirmed reciprocal tariffs on imports from 14 countries, maintaining Thailand's rate at 36%, effective August 1, 2025. Thailand's Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira remains hopeful that negotiations will lead to a reduction before the tariff comes into force

US President Donald Trump has officially issued the latest round of tariff notices, targeting 14 countries, including Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, Tunisia, South Africa, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Serbia, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar

With volume production of server chassis for Nvidia's GB200 turning stable, the operation of suppliers for related components such as cooling modules, sliding rails, and battery backup units (BBUs) has all turned positive, prompting them to hold a positive view for the second half of 2025. In addition, Nvidia's upcoming next-generation GB300 will help prolong the momentum during the period. Despite the requirement of a learning curve, industry visibility remains high, insulating its performance from market fluctuations

Taiwanese firms remain optimistic about Vietnam's long-term automotive prospects, citing trade agreements, government support, and improving infrastructure. Though still developing compared to Thailand and Malaysia, Vietnam's rising local production and supply chain integration, boosted by Taiwan's "Local by Local" strategy, signal strong potential for future growth in the sector

Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics, South Korea's two largest electronics manufacturers, are experiencing a modest reprieve after the US and Vietnam agreed to sharply lower reciprocal tariffs from 46% to 20%. The move comes as both companies reported disappointing second-quarter 2025 results, weighed down by sluggish demand and rising trade-related costs

India's High Commissioner to Malaysia, B N Reddy, has called for stronger collaboration between Indian and Malaysian companies in semiconductors and digital technology

According to Reuters and The Edge Malaysia, Malaysia's Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry (MITI) has announced the imposition of provisional anti-dumping duties ranging from 3.86% to 57.90% on certain galvanized iron and steel products imported from China, South Korea, and Vietnam. The duties, effective July 7, 2025, will apply for up to 120 days during the ongoing investigation

Taiwanese clean energy firm Shinfox Energy has signed a joint development agreement (JDA) with ComClark Network and Technology Corporation, the parent company of Filipino telecom Converge ICT Solutions Inc., aiming to combine their strengths in their respective fields to advance the development of renewable energy, smart grids, and clean energy infrastructure in the Philippines

Apple supplier Luxshare-ICT (also known as Luxshare Precision) has called on the Vietnamese government to address ongoing skilled labor shortages and bureaucratic inefficiencies in Nghe An province, warning that unresolved issues could limit its future investment plans in Vietnam

Following the announcement of a preliminary tariff agreement framework with Vietnam, US President Donald Trump recently told the media that letters would soon be sent to several related countries outlining subsequent tariff regulations. Regarding the scope of tariffs, Trump's statements were ambiguous, indicating some countries would face rates between 10-20%, while others could see tariffs as high as 60-70%, a significant disparity

The US and Vietnam recently agreed on tariffs up to 40% on certain goods transshipped through Vietnam, targeting origin washing used to evade US duties. This move is part of a broader US effort against China and others, creating uncertainty for trade and impacting China-Vietnam relations and Taiwanese firms in the area

President Donald Trump's administration plans to restrict shipments of AI chips from the likes of Nvidia Corp. to Malaysia and Thailand, part of an effort to crack down on suspected semiconductor smuggling into China

Malaysia has revised its electricity tariff structure, resulting in a sharper-than-expected rise in power costs that is prompting data center operators to reassess their expenses as Malaysia has emerged as a data center hub thanks to favorable geographic and policy factors