Large donations by South Korean companies to Trump inauguration seen as preemptive move ahead of tariff war

The list of donors for US President Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremony has been released, with South Korean conglomerates Samsung, Hyundai Motor, and Hanwha making large donations through US subsidiaries. Observers interpret the donations as an attempt by South Korean companies to proactively seek favorable outcomes related to US tariff policy.

Continue reading

Cloud market braces for key Amazon earnings update amid lease cuts, supply snags, and tariff tensions

Amazon and Microsoft have reportedly paused selected external data center lease agreements, impacting third-party colocation centers but not their self-built facilities. The move adds fresh uncertainty to the cloud services market, which is already under pressure from ongoing US-China tariff tensions and infrastructure supply constraints.

Continue reading

Unpredictable US policy fuels PC makers’ continued departure from China

Despite recent conciliatory signals from the US government towards China, PC brand manufacturers already in the process of diversifying their production are not slowing down. Sources within the original design manufacturing (ODM) sector reveal that these brands are not only shifting production for US-bound products but are also beginning to move production for European markets out of China.

Continue reading

In face of tariff concerns, Taiwan’s auto sector flexes resilient prowess at unified mobility mega shows

The 2025 Taipei AMPA and E-Mobility Taiwan exhibitions kicked off on April 23 under a newly unified banner, “360° MOBILITY Mega Shows.” This four-day event, taking place at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center alongside Autotronics Taipei, marks a significant milestone for Asia’s smart mobility industry in 2025, according to the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), the show organizer.

Continue reading

Texas Instruments navigates uncertainty with strong results and optimistic outlook

Texas Instruments reported strong first-quarter results, with revenue of US$4.07 billion, surpassing forecasts, driven by a 13% rise in its Analog segment. The upbeat outlook signals sustained demand in automotive and industrial markets despite tariff-related uncertainties. CEO Haviv Ilan emphasized the company’s focus on reliable chip capacity amid geopolitical risks.

Continue reading