31
Dec
2025 proved turbulent for downstream applications and end-user devices. Tariffs and geopolitical tensions dominated the first half, while AI gained momentum later in the year. Global market unpredictability pushed many brands—particularly in China, the epicenter of geopolitical tensions—toward domestic markets and self-sufficiency.
31
Dec
TSMC reportedly speeds up Arizona 3nm fab plans as Samsung woos US clients in Texas
According to South Korean media reports and industry sources, TSMC is moving to pull forward the production schedule at its second Arizona facility, a shift that could reshape supply planning for major chip designers and weaken the long-running narrative that Samsung Electronics stands as the default alternative when TSMC capacity tightens.
31
Dec
Academic research for AI robots to focus on causal reasoning and chain-of-thought
The field of AI robots has now entered a phase of rapid development and iteration, as evidenced by optimistic predictions from Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and Tesla CEO Elon Musk. As noted by the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), key technologies for building advanced AI robots in the future include semantic reasoning, task decomposition, causal inference, chain-of-thought, multi-step reasoning, and cross-domain generalization capabilities.
31
Dec
South Korean PCB industry faces cost challenges as AI drives raw material prices up
The South Korean printed circuit board (PCB) industry is struggling as soaring gold and copper prices, up 50% and 30% respectively since early 2025, increase production costs. Despite high factory utilization due to the AI boom in semiconductors, many companies cannot raise product prices, worsening profitability.
30
Dec
TSMC hits its 2nm milestone on schedule as China flexes military muscle
TSMC today announced that its highly anticipated 2nm (N2) technology began volume production in the fourth quarter of 2025, meeting its roadmap targets precisely on schedule.
30
Dec
Inpaq expects PC/notebook upgrade momentum to continue; CEO says component price hikes are inevitable
Passive components maker Inpaq, under Passive System Alliance (PSA), held its annual investor conference. Looking ahead, CEO Eunice Chen expects 2025 orders driven by the PC/notebook (PC/NB) replacement cycle to be much stronger than supply chain forecasts, pushing utilization rates above 90%. She is optimistic that this strong order momentum will extend into 2026, becoming a key driver for steady growth in antenna product shipments.
30
Dec
ARTERY Tech eyes drones, high-end MCUs before 2026 IPO
Taiwan-based microcontroller supplier ARTERY Technology is sharpening its focus on edge artificial intelligence and drone-related applications as it prepares for a planned listing on the Taipei Exchange in late January 2026, seeking growth beyond China’s crowded MCU market.
30
Dec
Chinese GPU provider Lisuan Technology begins shipping self-developed 7G100 GPU
Chinese GPU developer Lisuan Technology has started shipping its 7G100 GPU, marking a significant step toward commercialization. Reported by Jiemian News, the GPU uses TSMC’s 6nm process and is designed for applications such as gaming, smart cockpits, and digital twins.
30
Dec
China’s Univista rides domestic EDA surge to push for IPO
Univista Industrial Software Group filed for initial public offering guidance on December 26, seeking capital to support the development of domestic semiconductor design tools in China. The Shanghai-based company submitted its filing to the Shanghai Securities Regulatory Bureau with Guotai Haitong Securities serving as the sponsor, according to a report by Sina Finance.
30
Dec
Huawei chair outlines resilience under years of sanctions
Huawei rotating chairwoman Sabrina Meng delivered the company’s 2026 New Year speech on December 30, 2025, highlighting Huawei’s resilient business strategy despite enduring years of geopolitical challenges and US sanctions. The address served both as an annual corporate review and a subtle response to ongoing external pressures.