Chinese new energy vehicle (NEV) brands are expanding aggressively overseas, facing tariff barriers in several European and North American markets. The UK, however, has taken a different approach by welcoming these brands into its passenger vehicle market and iconic public transportation system, the double-decker bus

The US and India recently announced the establishment of a national security fab dedicated to producing chips using compound semiconductors, marking a significant milestone in India's semiconductor ambitions. However, US export control regulations applied to the fab may impact its operational effectiveness

Japan's semiconductor industry is experiencing a significant talent shortage, with demand from chip and equipment manufacturers increasing 14-fold compared to a decade ago. Key factors driving this surge include the rise of generative AI, vehicle electrification, and heightened energy requirements. In response, Japan is expanding semiconductor manufacturing facilities in regions such as Kyushu and Hokkaido, thereby enhancing supply chain resilience

China's Huawei Technologies has overtaken Samsung Electronics and Apple for the first time to become the world's top wearable device brand in the first half of 2024, with an accumulated user base exceeding 520 million. While its smartphone business is restricted to China due to the US semiconductor ban and lack of Google Mobile Services (GMS), Huawei continues to expand its wearables, notebooks, and tablets in international markets

Huawei held its fall product launch event on September 24, showcasing several key products, including the 110-inch Smart Screen V5 Max 110, the Watch GT 5 smartwatch series, and the Zhijie R7 electric SUV coupe. However, the highly anticipated Mate 70 series was notably absent, with its release requiring more time

Semco has developed the world's first "mini oxide-based solid-state battery" capable of being integrated into wearable devices. The company is reportedly conducting product tests with customers, with mass production expected to begin as early as the first half of 2026. This development has garnered major attention due to the advantages of solid-state batteries, such as high energy density and lower fire risks

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

Altos Computing, a subsidiary of Acer, has successfully secured a significant order for workstations from Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), a prominent state-owned enterprise in India. Notably, the workstations are assembled locally in India, supporting the country's ambitions for developing its electronics manufacturing sector

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

Samsung Electronics has secured a contract valued at approximately US$720 million to supply 4G and 5G telecom equipment to Vodafone Idea, India's third-largest telecom operator. This agreement marks a significant milestone for Samsung, as it has now secured orders from the top three wireless operators in India

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

Thailand is set to make a significant stride in the semiconductor industry with the establishment of its first silicon carbide (SiC) wafer factory, which is expected to begin operation in 2027

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)