AI is driving a new wave of technological demand and changing how the semiconductor industry innovates, according to Benjamin Hein, member of the executive board and CEO of the Electronics Business Sector at Merck. As AI becomes an integral part of semiconductor innovation, future competitive advantages in the industry will depend less on any single process or material, but rather on the ability to combine materials, processes, packaging, metrology, and software into complete processes. In this sense, AI-driven growth in the semiconductor industry is like “Moore’s Law on steroids,” and collaboration will become the industry’s next Moore’s Law.

Taiwan’s machinery industry is pushing to turn its semiconductor advantage into a domestic equipment supply chain, as more than 100 member companies join SEMICON Taiwan 2026 and the Taiwan Association of Machinery Industry (TAMI) calls for broader industry upgrading. The association voiced that appeal at a forum on September 3, saying Taiwan should leverage its semiconductor strength to lift traditional industries and continue nurturing a homegrown semiconductor equipment supply chain without relying on overseas sources.

China’s new energy vehicle import market continued to shrink in July, hitting its lowest level since 2026, as foreign automakers localize production and Chinese brands keep expanding their share. China imported just 125 battery electric vehicles in the month, equal to only four cars a day entering the market.

I-Chiun Precision Industry is accelerating its shift from LED lead frames into high-end thermal solutions, with thermal products now accounting for 40-45% of revenue. The company expects the share to exceed 50% as early as the second half of 2026 or in 2027 and to rise above 60% over the medium to long term.