Jiang-song Fu, chairman of IC distributor Professional Computer Technology (PCT), projected 2024 to be the trough for their operations. Despite this, the company expects to remain profitable. He highlighted that the AI trend is set to drive substantial growth for various IoT products, including automotive electronics, over 2025-2026.

According to a recent press release, the US Department of Commerce (DOC) and the Semiconductor Research Corporation Manufacturing Consortium Corporation (SRC) are entering negotiations for the DOC to provide SRC US$285 million to establish and operate a Manufacturing USA institute in Durham, North Carolina. This investment will support the launch of the first CHIPS Manufacturing USA Institute with a total combined funding of US$1 billion.

IQE, a British manufacturer of compound semiconductor wafers and materials solutions, will proceed with its plan to list its Taiwan subsidiary in 2025, despite considering a potential sale of the local operations, according to an unnamed executive.

The generative AI (GenAI) trend has been developing for two years, but adoption in Taiwan remains limited. A DIGITIMES Research survey suggests that Taiwanese enterprises will likely reach peak adoption between 2025 and 2030. Budget constraints and a lack of specialized technical expertise are the primary obstacles hindering broader adoption.

The era of liquid cooling for servers is on the horizon, but significant challenges remain. DIGITIMES Research analyst Kaylee Chiu outlines four critical hurdles liquid cooling technology must address.

On November 19, Foxconn announced that it had successfully obtained the qualification as the best applicant for the Kaohsiung Metro Y15 Station land development project. The company aims to continue local maritime culture and build a world-class landmark on the site, where Foxconn's flagship headquarters in southern Taiwan will be located.

Huawei is set to showcase its latest flagship smartphones at the "Huawei Mate Brand Ceremony" on November 26, with pre-orders already surpassing 1.7 million units. The company has opened reservations for three models: the Mate 70, Mate 70 Pro, and Mate 70 Pro+, each available in 12GB and 16GB memory configurations across eight color options. The anticipated Mate 70 RS Ultimate Edition remains unlisted.

Taiwan-based lens maker Genius Electronic Optical (GSEO) is guardedly optimistic about 2025 sales, expecting wider penetration for its periscope lenses in smartphones and other applications, and better order momentum from Chinese smartphone brand customers, according to the company.

As AI smartphones reach a critical juncture, major manufacturers are ramping up their hardware and AI application development. Industry watchers expect competition to intensify when Apple's Apple Intelligence becomes available in China.

Xiaomi CEO Jun Lei recently announced the company's strongest-ever quarterly performance, a remarkable achievement given China's current economic climate. However, challenges are emerging for the tech giant.

In recent years, Taiwan-based IC design companies have massively entered the automotive chip sector, seeking growth opportunities beyond consumer electronics. The automotive chip market is particularly appealing due to its higher profit margins and longer product cycles, which are key to strengthening operational foundations.

VinFast, a Vietnamese automaker often referred to as the "Tesla of Vietnam," reported sales of 11,000 units in October, securing its position as Vietnam's leading electric vehicle (EV) brand. Concurrently, Nhật Vượng Phạm, chairman of parent company Vingroup and Vietnam's wealthiest individual, pledged additional personal investments to bolster the company.

China's Ministry of Finance and State Taxation Administration has announced significant changes to its export tax rebate policy, effective December 1. The new policy eliminates rebates for 59 products and reduces the rebate rate from 13% to 9% for 209 items, including refined oil, solar panels, lithium batteries, and modules, vanadium redox flow batteries, and certain non-metallic mineral products. This 4% reduction represents an approximate 30% decrease in rebates.

Taiwan's largest industrial gas manufacturer, Linde LienHwa, is shifting its focus from decades of industrial hydrogen applications to the transportation sector. The company aims to lead Taiwan's hydrogen vehicle market once its dedicated hydrogen manufacturing plant in southern Taiwan becomes operational in 2025.

Trade disputes between the EU and China, especially in the solar and automotive sectors, underscore the intricate nature of global trade. Chinese manufacturers have shown resilience and adaptability, often finding ways around regulatory hurdles.

Amid concerns over potential shifts in US military engagement following President-Elect Donald Trump's election victory, Taiwan is accelerating efforts to bolster its defense capabilities. President Lai Ching-te has identified defense as one of five key trusted industries, with plans to build an autonomous military supply chain centered on critical technologies including drone development.

The Taiwan Drone Excellence Overseas Business Alliance, established in late 2024, has secured Poland as its second "ally" after Oklahoma, US. The partnership aims to advance international drone sales, technology development, supply chain integration, and global competitiveness.

Taiwan Foreign Minister Chia-lung Lin is leading a delegation of company executives to Lithuania, a visit very likely to draw a rebuke from China.

LG Display (LGD) has revealed a groundbreaking prototype stretchable screen capable of expanding its stretch ratio from 20% to an impressive 50%, pushing the boundaries of flexible display technology. This innovation aims to achieve "ultimate freedom" by enabling screens to stretch, fold, and twist with ease.

Royole Technologies, a pioneer in foldable display technology and the creator of the world's first commercial foldable smartphone has declared bankruptcy. Despite its early lead and innovative products, the company struggled financially, leading to its demise.

The combination of promotional events like Double Eleventh Day in China and Black Friday sales in Europe and the US, coupled with new smartphone launches in November, has driven a rebound in end-user demand. This recovery has improved demand for upstream display panels, helping stabilize overall panel prices. However, certain types of smartphone panels continue to experience price declines.