When most discussions around Chinese brands still focus on how to expand overseas, Zhang Xue is taking a more radical approach: redefining the stage itself.

In 2026, critical semiconductor materials face a perfect storm of rising prices, shortages, and geopolitical disruption. Lead times for multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) and power devices are stretching, while helium supply risks from Qatar are mounting. Topco Scientific CTO Tina Ding says companies must sharpen capabilities in long-term contract locking, flexible pricing negotiations, strategic stockpiling, and risk-based sourcing — all while tracking costs in real time and staying in close step with customers.

Samsung SDI has signed a multi-year agreement to supply electric vehicle (EV) batteries to Mercedes-Benz, marking its first confirmed entry into the German luxury carmaker’s EV lineup and concluding months of advanced negotiations over one of the industry’s most closely watched battery deals.