On April 7, multiple Chinese Apple suppliers responded to the Trump administration’s newly announced “reciprocal tariffs.” Reports from Xinhua and Sina show that many A-share listed firms downplayed their US exposure and said the policy would have minimal operational impact. They also cited diversified production and flexible strategies to manage risk.

The Trump administration has imposed reciprocal tariffs globally under the guise of equal tariffs, causing significant concerns within the notebook (NB) supply chain regarding production location planning and shipment forecasts for 2025. According to industry sources, a full-year shipment estimate cannot be provided at this time; however, if US tariffs are enforced, the consumer market will undoubtedly suffer severe damage.

Kumamoto Governor Takashi Kimura recently affirmed that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company’s (TSMC) commitment to its investments in Japan, particularly in Kumamoto Prefecture, remains steadfast despite tariff escalation threats from the Trump administration. Speaking to Nikkei, Kimura emphasized that the Japan Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing (JASM) facility, a TSMC subsidiary, was established to cater to domestic Japanese demand. He further noted that assurances of continued investment have come directly from TSMC’s headquarters, minimizing the impact of US tariffs on its Japanese operations.