As the global AI computing infrastructure boom drives rapid demand growth for GPUs, CPUs, and ASICs, the ABF substrate industry is set to swing into shortage in 2026, with the supply-demand gap expected to widen in 2027-2028. That has lifted order visibility for IC substrate makers in Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea, with the outlook now stretching as far as 2029-2030. Companies including Ibiden, Unimicron, Kinsus, Nan Ya Printed Circuit Board, Leading, and Samsung Electro-Mechanics are all moving into a new round of capacity expansion.

AI-driven electricity demand is prompting Century Group to broaden its energy ambitions beyond offshore wind. The group plans to enter the small modular reactor (SMR) supply chain through reactor peripheral equipment and aims to obtain TÜV Rheinland technical and safety certification within three years, positioning itself for what it sees as a major wave of low-carbon power investment tied to AI data centers.

Fu Chun Shin Machinery said rising investment in smart manufacturing and AI infrastructure lifted demand for high-precision, high-efficiency, and intelligent equipment across ICT, semiconductor, and electronics supply chains. The plastic injection molding machine maker reported higher gross margin and operating margin in the second quarter, with both measures improving year-on-year.