With non-Chinese markets entering their traditional off-season and the Chinese market lacking a nationwide shopping promotion event, overall smartphone shipments by Chinese brands are expected to decrease by 9.7% on quarter in the first quarter of 2025 after enjoying good sequential growth in the fourth quarter of 2024, according to DIGITIMES' latest report covering China's smartphone industry

Chinese smartphone application processors (APs) shipments are expected to remain stable in the first quarter of 2025 despite the traditional off-season, supported by China's handset subsidy policy. Mid-to-high-end 5G models will likely appeal more to consumers within the subsidy-eligible price range, according to DIGITIMES' latest report covering Chinese smartphone AP market

President Donald Trump wasted no time reshaping US energy policy, signing the "Unleashing American Energy" executive order on his first day in office. The sweeping directive dismantles the Biden administration's clean energy framework while bolstering fossil fuel industries, marking one of the sharpest policy reversals in recent US history

Just one month into his presidency, US President Donald Trump has commanded global attention with his rapid-fire initiatives. The impact of his second-term policies has upended traditional expectations, with industry sources revealing that five major Taiwanese electronics manufacturers are exploring investment opportunities in Texas in response to Trump's tariff threats. However, TSMC maintains a measured stance, carefully monitoring developments

The global server shipments are expected to see a mild decline of 3.8% in the first quarter of 2025 and among US-based cloud service providers (CSPs), Meta will maintain a relatively high level of shipments, while Google's shipments are expected to rebound this quarter, having seen a significant decline in the previous quarter, according to DIGITIMES' latest server research report covering global shipments and market status

US President Donald Trump announced plans to impose 25% tariffs on auto imports, semiconductors, and pharmaceuticals starting as early as April 2, with potential increases over time. This follows his recent 10% tariff on Chinese goods and 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum

The rapid rise of AI-driven applications in smart healthcare, semiconductors, and data storage has pushed many Taiwanese companies traditionally focused on automotive components to undergo strategic transformations in recent years, achieving significant milestones along the way

In Beijing's early spring of 2025, the Chinese government reconvened its first meeting with private enterprises in nearly six years, with technology taking center stage

US President Donald Trump has increasingly engaged with the media in unscripted exchanges, often deflecting criticism by blaming former administrations, including those of Joe Biden and Barack Obama. His off-the-cuff remarks, which frequently mirror the combative tone of his campaign rhetoric, have raised concerns worldwide. In Taiwan, Trump's latest statements triggered the country's first National Security Council meeting of 2025—not in response to Chinese military maneuvers, but due to the potential economic and geopolitical fallout of his remarks

Apple has scrapped its plans to develop a Micro LED smartwatch in 2024, dealing a blow to the technology's immediate prospects. Yet, the scene at CES 2025 suggests Micro LED remains a hotbed of innovation, with companies pressing ahead on new products and breakthroughs. Apple's retreat may signal challenges, but it hasn't dampened industry momentum

After President Trump claimed that Taiwan has taken America's semiconductor chip business away, some speculate that the US government might regret its decision to provide a US$6.6 billion investment incentive to Taiwan's TSMC. Is it true that under Trump's policies, the US government can avoid spending a dime, while Taiwanese companies and other foreign businesses operating in the US are pressured by tariffs to invest and expand domestically? This prospect has raised significant concerns and challenges for Taiwan

Honda and Nissan scrapped merger talks after failing to agree on terms, marking an abrupt end to what could have been a landmark consolidation in Japan's auto industry. The negotiations, which began in December 2024, were seen as a survival strategy amid intensifying global competition

The Donald Trump Administration reportedly may require TSMC to make tough choices to aid in rebuilding the US's chip manufacturing capabilities, including sharing technologies or establishing a joint venture with Intel. As the semiconductor industry transitions from global free trade to a regional trade system due to strategic and security concerns, the US is adopting China's market-for-technology strategies to secure its national security, reflecting a broader trend of protectionism in the chip industry, similar to developments in the automotive sector

In 2024, Taiwan's electric scooter market saw a registration of 78,757 units, a slight decline of 1.04% from the previous year's 79,584 units. Furthermore, the registration numbers for January have raised concerns about the market's ability to maintain stable growth in the coming months

The semiconductor industry is bracing for a potential shake-up amid reports that the US government is pushing for Intel to spin off its manufacturing operations into a new entity, with TSMC participating in a joint venture. TSMC, which controls more than 60% of the global foundry market, would bring its technical expertise and manufacturing leadership to the venture. If realized, this move could alter the global semiconductor supply chain, reshaping alliances, competitive dynamics, and technological leadership