Trump reciprocal tariff impact on auto industry
The US reciprocal tariffs on auto parts impacts Taiwanese manufacturers with revenue structure and capacity allocation becoming key risk factors.
18
Apr
18
Apr
Murata’s global patent blitz targets Maxscend, threatens China’s TF-SAW exports
China’s RF chip sector is facing a major disruption as Murata Manufacturing files five patent lawsuits against Maxscend Technologies in both China and South Korea, alleging that its MAX-SAW filters—commonly referred to as TF-SAW—violate five core Murata patents. Patent analysis indicates a broader risk, with nearly all TF-SAW-based products from Maxscend potentially exposed to systemic infringement claims.
18
Apr
SK Hynix-Hanmi alliance fractures as Korean memory giant seeks new suppliers
SK Hynix’s eight-year partnership with Hanmi Semiconductor is showing signs of strain after the memory chipmaker began sourcing thermal compression bonding machines from rival Hanwha Semitech, according to industry sources.
18
Apr
Chips, China, and Congress: Nvidia and Jensen Huang’s high-stakes diplomatic balancing act
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang returned to China this week in a markedly more high-profile visit than before. According to the Financial Times, he is expected to meet with DeepSeek founder Liang Wenfeng to explore the joint development of next-generation AI chips tailored for China—designed to align with export controls imposed by both Washington and Beijing.
18
Apr
XPeng’s AI power play: homegrown chips, humanoids, and the race to the skies
At its “Global Brand Night” in Hong Kong on April 15, XPeng Motors unveiled its 2025 global flagship, the XPeng X9, and laid out an ambitious new AI roadmap. Chairman and CEO He Xiaopeng said the company is entering a transformative decade, evolving from a smart EV maker into a full-stack AI innovator.
18
Apr
Fears of an ‘Australia scenario’ grow as Taiwan weighs auto tariff cuts
Taiwan’s auto industry is bracing for the possibility of the Taiwanese government reducing tariffs and commodity taxes for car imports as part of its bid to ease pressure from the US reciprocal tariffs, a move that could doom the entire local automotive supply chain.
18
Apr
Yageo posts strong Q1 results, eyes growth in AI and EV sectors
Taiwanese passive component manufacturer Yageo reported first-quarter operating results that exceeded market expectations, driven by a gradual normalization of inventory levels among downstream distributors. This stabilization spurred restocking for select product categories, boosting revenue and profitability beyond prior forecasts.
18
Apr
China bans automakers from marketing “self-driving” features
China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has instructed nearly 60 automotive manufacturers to cease using terms like “self-driving” and “smart driving” in marketing materials for Level 2 (L2) advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).
18
Apr
Hanmi hikes TCB equipment prices by nearly 30% for SK Hynix, ends free maintenance
Hanmi Semiconductor has reportedly informed SK Hynix of a planned price increase for its thermal compression bonding (TCB) equipment, marking the first price hike since the South Korean equipment maker began supplying the TCB product in 2017.
18
Apr
US manufacturing development vs. China’s brand growth: Is Trump 2.0 clever strategy or miscalculation?
The implementation of US President Donald Trump’s “reciprocal tariffs” was temporarily halted before it officially took effect, granting countries a 90-day negotiation buffer. As Trump aims to pressure manufacturers into investing in US manufacturing through tariffs, China continues to vigorously develop its brands.