US eases H200 curbs, but China may no longer need the chip, says DIGITIMES analyst
China’s steel engine loses steam, rewrites the iron ore trade map
China’s slowdown, marked by weak consumption, a deep property slump, deflationary pressure, and softer investment, is weighing on steel production. The IMF expects GDP growth to ease to 4.8% in 2025 and 4.2% in 2026. With domestic ore mining falling, steelmakers are turning to cheaper imported low-grade ore that requires higher volumes to produce equivalent output. Taiwanese dry-bulk carriers say this substitution is lifting tonne-mile demand.
South Korea targets new fabs, HBM leadership, fabless revamp in US$468bn chip push
Singapore unveils US$28.5 billion tech plan, spotlight on 2026 semiconductor drive
Singapore will invest SGD37 billion (approx. US$28.5 billion) over the next five years under its Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2030 Plan. The funding will support semiconductor development, biopharma research, and talent programs aimed at strengthening the country’s position in high-value technology sectors.