The global automotive industry faced significant disruption in the first quarter of 2025, impacted by US tariffs that reverberated throughout supply chains. Despite this turbulence, microcontroller unit (MCU) manufacturer Nuvoton Technology reported early signs of stabilization. Several clients have begun restocking inventories, suggesting a gradual recovery in the sector. Beyond automotive applications, Nuvoton capitalized on tariff-driven demand increases in computing and consumer applications, with clients accelerating orders. This strategic shift helped the chipmaker return to profitability, marking a notable comeback.

Malaysia’s semiconductor industry, currently accounting for approximately 7% of global semiconductor exports with annual revenue of around RM575 billion (approx. US$130 billion), stands at a critical juncture as the nation pursues an ambitious strategy to move up the value chain amid shifting global technology supply networks.

Memory chipmaker Winbond Electronics swung to a loss in the first quarter of 2025 following seasonal weakness, though Chief Executive Pei-Ming Chen said urgent orders have exceeded expectations for the second quarter, with flash memory sales set to climb.