China accelerates semiconductor self-sufficiency through foundry M&A: updates on Hua Hong, SMIC

China’s semiconductor sector is entering a new phase of domestic consolidation, as leading foundries Hua Hong Semiconductor and SMIC move to tighten control over key manufacturing assets. The deals reflect Beijing’s drive to localise chip production, strengthen mature-node capacity, and curb reliance on external supply chains amid sustained US-China technology tensions.

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Taiwan leverages AI export surge to boost tourism, domestic demand

At the start of 2026, Taiwan’s electronic components and AI server industries continue to post strong export momentum, driven by surging demand for artificial intelligence (AI), high-performance computing (HPC), and cloud services. Production indices are expected to register double-digit year-over-year growth, with key indicators like demand, raw material inputs, and pricing all trending upward.

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Chang Wah interview: strong lead frame growth despite precious metals shortage

Post-pandemic inventory digestion for mature semiconductor processes has come to an end. Market conditions have rebounded amid tariff-hedging and precautionary stocking, driving Taiwan’s leading packaging lead frame supplier, Chang Wah Technology, to see rising demand for high-end products in the second half of 2025. The company has also accelerated capacity expansion plans across Taiwan, China, and Malaysia.

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