15% relief without reassurance: Taiwan’s auto industry after the tariff talks

As the initial results of trade negotiations between Taiwan and the US emerged in early 2026, a long-standing cloud over Taiwan’s industrial sector appeared, at least briefly, to lift. The two sides agreed to set reciprocal tariffs at 15%, without stacking them on top of existing most-favored-nation rates, and Taiwan secured a key exemption under Section 232 of US trade law, which covers national security-related tariffs.

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Taiwan-US tariff agreement expected to boost machine tool industry’s global growth and reshape market dynamics

Taiwan and the US have reached an agreement on a reciprocal 15% tariff for machine tools, eliminating stacked tariffs, a move anticipated to invigorate the sector in early 2026 after a challenging 2025. Industry leaders project increased investment from end customers, particularly in equipment procurement and advanced manufacturing technologies, driven by heightened semiconductor investments in the US market.

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Compal chair predicts memory shortage, price surge to last until 2027

A global shortage of memory chips and rising prices are creating challenges in the electronics supply chain. Ray Chen, chairman of leading original design manufacturer (ODM) Compal Electronics, said that tight supply and price hikes in the memory market are expected to continue through 2027 and will have a significant impact on the global electronics industry.

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Compal chair celebrates 50 years with Kinpo Group amid Taiwan’s demographic concerns

At a year-end banquet on January 22, 2026, Kinpo Group president Rock Hsu paid tribute to Compal Electronics chairman Ray Chen, who is celebrating 50 years with the group ahead of Compal’s 42nd anniversary in 2026. Hsu described Chen not only as a trusted business partner but also as a lifelong companion, highlighting Chen’s exceptional dedication and leadership throughout decades of service.

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AI and automotive growth drive rising demand for quartz frequency components

The market for high-end quartz frequency control components is experiencing increased demand as AI infrastructure expands and automotive technologies advance. Growth in 2026 is expected to come largely from AI data centers and high-speed optical transmission modules requiring precise, low-jitter oscillators. At the same time, automotive applications such as smart cockpits and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) are contributing to volume and pricing gains.

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