Yaskawa Electric has forecast an uplift in revenue and operating profit for its fiscal year 2025, spanning from March 2025 to February 2026, propelled by a moderate recovery in the semiconductor market. Despite this positive outlook, the company’s expectations fall short of its initial targets set in its 2023 midterm business plan. Revenue projections have been reduced by JPY100 billion (approx. US$684.21 million), and anticipated operating profit has been decreased by JPY40 billion.

The trade conflict between the US and China has intensified, with the US recently announcing an increase in tariffs on Chinese goods to 125%. This move is seen as a reaffirmation of US President Donald Trump’s hardline trade stance and pushes the global trade war to new heights. The two major powers are now akin to being in a game of chicken, with both sides nearing a breaking point.

As AI business opportunities continue to develop, many industry insiders admit that the current landscape remains dominated by large corporations, particularly in the chip sector. Leading companies like Nvidia and other cloud-based AI chip makers, such as those focusing on ASICs, remain the biggest winners. On the other hand, smaller chipmakers, especially those from Taiwan focusing on edge devices, have yet to experience significant momentum in the AI market.