China’s subsidies ignite chip demand surge—but can it last?
China’s recent trade-in subsidy program, aimed at boosting the consumer electronics market, has significantly impacted the supply chain. For Taiwanese IC design firms, it has sparked a restocking surge, setting the stage for a surprisingly strong first quarter of 2025—typically a slow period due to the Lunar New Year. Most expect revenues to hold steady or rise slightly from the fourth quarter of 2024, defying the typical seasonal downturn.