09
Apr
Foxconn Industrial Internet (FII), a subsidiary of Foxconn, is poised for significant revenue and profit growth in the first quarter of 2025, driven by improving shipments of next-generation AI servers and stable market demand. This promising performance is expected to positively impact Foxconn’s overall financial results.
09
Apr
Taiwan’s Minister of Economic Affairs dismisses merger rumors between GlobalFoundries and UMC
Since taking office, President Donald Trump has wielded tariffs as a tool to disrupt global trade. On April 9, Taiwan’s Minister of Economic Affairs, J.W. Kuo, addressed these major shifts in international trade during a legislative session in Taiwan’s Economic Committee. However, lawmakers focused on rumors of a potential merger between GlobalFoundries and United Microelectronics Corporation (UMC), prompting Kuo to clarify that while he would not comment on market rumors, he firmly believes such a merger is not feasible.
09
Apr
Taiwan’s tech giants shine as Trump’s tariff tempest rages on—But for how long?
As US President Donald Trump enforces reciprocal tariffs internationally, global financial markets experience turmoil, particularly affecting electronics hardware manufacturers. Despite this challenging environment, the March 2025 revenue reports of major Taiwan electronics companies, such as Foxconn, Quanta, Wistron, Wiwynn, and Mitac, have all exceeded expectations, with many achieving record-breaking results. Inventec also performed better than anticipated.
09
Apr
ITRI urges Taiwan industries to pursue ‘blue ocean’ markets with tech innovation amidst tariff headwinds
While the aggressive US tariff policy is heaping heavy pressure on Taiwan’s industrial operations and strategic planning, Edwin Liu, president of the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), emphasized that Taiwan must turn this crisis into an opportunity for transformation. He urged Taiwanese industries to avoid destructive price wars in saturated markets and instead target niche or “blue ocean” opportunities, leveraging the island’s technological strengths to stay ahead.
09
Apr
TSMC declines comment on Huawei chip allegations amid quiet period
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) has declined to comment on foreign media reports alleging the company violated US export controls by supplying chips used in Huawei’s AI processors. The company cited its quiet period ahead of its upcoming earnings call as the reason for withholding public statements.
09
Apr
Hydrogen push stalls globally as costs, geopolitics bite
Once hailed as a cornerstone for achieving net-zero goals, hydrogen development is losing steam globally amid soaring construction costs and geopolitical headwinds. Many countries are now pivoting to more immediate, cost-effective technologies.
09
Apr
Taiwanese AM auto parts firms see challenges and opportunities in US tariffs
The latest US tariffs have caused widespread anxiety among automotive manufacturers around the world, as complete vehicles and components imported to the US become targets. Amid this uncertainty, Taiwanese aftermarket (AM) component makers have remained relatively optimistic. Tong Yang Group and Hushan Autoparts have both reported results for March 2025, while also sharing their views on the impact of US tariffs.
09
Apr
China’s automotive industry accelerates consolidation as external pressures close in
In response to significant upheavals in both domestic and international environments, China’s automotive industry is rapidly consolidating. This includes the long-rumored mergers among state-owned enterprises (SOEs), which are becoming increasingly clear. Meanwhile, foreign automakers with relatively weak manufacturing capabilities in new energy vehicles must expedite partnerships with Chinese companies; otherwise, their survival space in the Chinese market may be further squeezed.
09
Apr
Trump’s tariffs ignite widespread concern as TSMC lowers financial forecast
The reciprocal tariffs will take effect on April 9, 2025, with the Trump administration. Currently, there seems to be little chance for other countries to reverse this trend. Although the semiconductor industry has not yet been directly affected by the tariff conflict, industry anxiety continues to rise.
09
Apr
TSMC reportedly under US investigation over Huawei; Taiwan pushes back on speculation
The US Department of Commerce is reportedly investigating TSMC for letting chips enter Huawei’s AI products, potentially resulting in a fine as high as US$1 billion. Taiwan’s Minister of Economic Affairs, Jyh-huei Kuo, addressed the rumors on April 9, stating that TSMC maintains strict compliance with international regulations and that the Ministry has not received any official notice regarding the investigation. Kuo refrained from commenting on what he described as unverified speculation.