Apple has obtained a broad exemption from US import tariffs on its products, a move that has triggered industry-wide speculation about whether this could slow the company's efforts to diversify production outside of China. However, Apple's supply chain partners insist the transition is still ongoing — especially for its Mac line — with two clear strategic priorities: relocating operations to Southeast Asia and significantly increasing automation
Malaysia has agreed to invest more than US$240 billion in the US as part of negotiations aimed at reducing tariffs imposed on Malaysian goods from 25% to 19%. The details were disclosed by Zafrul Aziz, Malaysia's Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), during a parliamentary briefing. The agreement involves substantial high-tech purchases and other trade-related commitments over the next decade
Smart energy brand HD Renewable Energy's (HDRE) business footprint covers Taiwan, Japan, Australia, and the Philippines, with an overseas total target capacity reaching 6GW. As the group rapidly expanded its scale, HDRE announced an organizational upgrade on August 5, 2025
According to The Edge Malaysia, Johor approved 42 data center construction projects in the second quarter of 2025, reinforcing its position as Malaysia's leading destination for digital infrastructure investment
Ventec International Group, a specialty manufacturer of copper-clad laminates (CCLs), has commenced construction of a new manufacturing facility in Thailand as part of its broader global expansion efforts. The initial phase of the plant is expected to begin operations in early 2026, with full-scale production lines planned for activation in the second quarter
Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer VinFast has officially commenced production at its new manufacturing facility in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu. The US$500 million plant represents the first phase of a larger US$2 billion investment in India, with plans to establish the site as a strategic hub for both domestic sales and regional exports, according to the Associated Press and Reuters
Taiwan's optics sector is cautiously optimistic after temporary tariffs were announced, with most firms saying current rates align with expectations. Ability Opto-Electronics Technology (AOET) Chairman Victor Kao said tariffs have never been a major concern, emphasizing that operational fundamentals matter more. Whether Thailand's tariff was 36% or the current 19%, clients have consistently urged AOET to localize production in Thailand. "Business goes on either way," he said
The US has lowered tariffs on imports from several Southeast Asian nations. These measures provide a temporary boost to Taiwanese printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturers, enabling greater confidence to expand operations within Southeast Asia
Asia Optical reported record-breaking financial results for the second quarter of 2025, driven by robust revenue growth and expanding operations in Southeast Asia. The company announced on August 1 that consolidated revenue for the quarter reached NT$6.908 billion (US$231.58 million), representing a 28% increase quarter-over-quarter and a 23% year-over-year
Singapore-based ASMPT, founded in Hong Kong in 1975, has grown from a regional distributor into one of the world's most influential semiconductor equipment makers. With AI and hyperscale data centers driving a new wave of demand for advanced packaging, ASMPT's dominance in thermo-compression bonding (TCB) technology places it at the center of the industry's next inflection point
Inpaq Technology, part of PSA Walsin Technology, has officially launched a new advanced production facility in Penang, Malaysia, aimed at high-frequency antenna module manufacturing. The plant is set to begin mass production in the third quarter of 2025 to support rising demand from Wi-Fi 7, low-earth orbit satellite, and automotive sectors
Amid rising US-China tech tensions, Taiwan-based PCB suppliers have accelerated factory expansions in Southeast Asia since 2022. However, despite new PCB clusters reaching full production, most PCBs for server orders remain manufactured in China, except for security-sensitive items such as low-earth orbit satellite parts. The server supply chain still depends largely on China's mature and cost-effective facilities
As the US deadline for reciprocal tariffs, set under the Trump administration, approaches on August 1, 2025, Taiwan's final tax rate remains unresolved. While Vietnam and the Philippines—now major production hubs for Taiwanese networking equipment manufacturers—face tariffs of 20% and 19% respectively, speculation has emerged over whether a more favorable rate for Taiwan could trigger a shift in production back home
Recent tariff negotiations between Southeast Asian countries and the US under President Donald Trump have yet to produce finalized agreements with nations including Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia. Automotive supply chain stakeholders anticipate that final tariff rates across Southeast Asia will converge, contributing to increased industrial relocation from China
