From Biden’s carrots to Trump’s sticks: Chinese solar giants adapt to new U.S. playbook

The administration of US President Donald Trump has implemented exceptionally high anti-dumping tariffs on solar modules imported from Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia. Most notably, Cambodia faces tariffs as high as 3,521% due to its lack of cooperation during investigations. This action reflects the administration’s firm approach to combating “origin-washing,” a practice where manufacturers reroute products through third countries to circumvent US trade restrictions. Market experts indicate that tariffs above 60% typically disrupt bilateral trade, and rates exceeding 3,500% effectively result in an almost complete halt of imports from the affected countries.

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Taiwan’s industrial PC sector adapts to US tariffs with strategic localization and supply chain resilience

Taiwan’s industrial PC (IPC) manufacturers are intensifying efforts to localize production and expand their presence in North America amid increasing tariff pressures from the US. Ennoconn has altered its initial strategy to build a factory in Mexico, choosing instead to set up a new facility in Tennessee, with operations expected to begin in the third quarter of 2025. Similarly, Advantech is considering the creation of a printed circuit board assembly and contract manufacturing center in the US, signaling a wider industry move toward domestic production as companies adapt to evolving trade policies.

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Former Samsung employee indicted in DRAM leak case aiding CXMT

South Korean prosecutors recently announced the indictment and detention of a former Samsung Electronics researcher suspected of leaking core semiconductor technology secrets, developed with an investment of KRW1.6 trillion (US$1.1 billion), to China’s leading DRAM manufacturer, ChangXin Memory Technologies (CXMT). Samsung may have suffered revenue losses amounting to tens of trillions of Korean won due to this security breach.

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Samsung DS chief rushes to Silicon Valley to secure AI memory and foundry orders

Siyoung Choi, president of Samsung Electronics’ Device Solutions (DS) division, recently led a senior executive delegation to Silicon Valley, foregoing South Korea’s extended May holidays. The week-long trip focused on meetings with major US tech firms—including Apple, Nvidia, and Broadcom—to shore up demand across Samsung’s semiconductor portfolio, from DRAM and high-bandwidth memory (HBM) to foundry services. US tariff policy was also a key topic on the agenda.

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