Memory supercycle exposes T-Glass constraint, tightening BT substrate supply

As the global memory industry enters a supercycle driven by structural supply shortages, BT substrates for memory chips are also tightening. Taiwan-based IC substrate makers Kinsus and Nanya PCB have secured rush orders, with customers willing to sign long-term supply agreements amid material constraints. This has sharply improved order visibility from the second half of 2025 and emerged as a key driver of Taiwanese PCB output growth in the third quarter.

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China’s AMEC broadens chip equipment reach with Sizone acquisition

AMEC, China’s leading semiconductor equipment vendor, has sent its clearest signal yet that it no longer intends to remain a single-discipline specialist. Its planned acquisition of a controlling stake in Hangzhou Sizone Electronic Technology marks a strategic shift toward becoming a platform-scale equipment group, rather than a company defined by individual tools.

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Taipower pivots to small-scale green power as carbon pressure tightens on exporters

Corporate demand for green electricity is accelerating as Taiwan prepares to implement carbon fees in 2026 and as the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) reshapes export requirements. Data from Taiwan Power Company (Taipower) show that direct supply of green power has risen sharply in recent years, a trend the utility expects to continue as net-zero pressures intensify across supply chains.

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Apaq Technology sees strong growth in solid capacitors driven by AI demand

Apaq Technology reported a sharp rise in demand for solid capacitors, fueled primarily by AI servers and AI PCs, during an investor briefing on December 17. General Manager ST Lin stated that existing production lines for V-Chip, CAP, and Hybrid capacitors are now operating at full capacity, contributing to record revenue and profitability in the third quarter of 2025.

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South Korea examines challenges in building a strong AI semiconductor industry

The National Academy of Engineering of Korea (NAEK) recently convened a seminar, gathering industry and academic experts to assess South Korea’s position in the AI semiconductor sector. The discussion underscored concerns about the country’s heavy focus on memory chips and drew attention to Taiwan’s comprehensive semiconductor ecosystem as a model.

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