The Middle East conflict is raising concerns over global energy supply and driving sharp increases in semiconductor material costs. Compound semiconductor manufacturers say prices for high-temperature metals, including tungsten, tantalum, and molybdenum, have doubled, while gallium prices have also surged. At the same time, shortages of indium phosphide (InP) substrates persist due to supply-demand imbalances and geopolitical disruptions such as export controls.

On March 10, 2026, the US International Trade Commission (USITC) announced the launch of a Section 337 investigation targeting 20 automotive parts manufacturers across Taiwan, China, and the US. The probe follows a lawsuit filed by General Motors (GM) and includes 10 leading Taiwanese aftermarket (AM) suppliers such as Tong Yang Industry, DEPO Auto Parts, and Gordon Auto Body Parts. This unexpected patent litigation has come as a shock to Taiwan’s automotive collision parts exporters, and also signals a shifting competitive landscape in the global automotive supply chain.

The US and Chile have agreed to begin talks on cooperation in rare earths and other critical minerals, as Washington seeks to strengthen supply chains and reduce reliance on China for strategic materials used in advanced technologies.