23
Feb
SoftBank Group (SBG) is spearheading an investment alliance to develop a US-based natural gas-fired power plant project valued at US$33.3 billion, aiming to support infrastructure demands driven by artificial intelligence (AI). This initiative is one of three projects launched under the US-Japan trade agreement signed with President Donald Trump in 2025.
23
Feb
Nvidia challenges Intel, AMD with AI laptop chips
Nvidia is returning to the consumer PC market with AI-focused laptop processors designed to power next-generation Windows systems. According to The Wall Street Journal, Nvidia’s system-on-chip (SoC) processors are expected to debut this year in laptops from Dell and Lenovo. Analysts do not expect a near-term earnings impact, but the move secures Nvidia a role in the emerging AI PC upgrade cycle.
23
Feb
Samsung Foundry rebounds with utilization above 80% in 1Q26
Samsung Electronics’ foundry utilization exceeded 80% in the first quarter of 2026, its highest level in over a year, increasing the probability of a quarterly profit turnaround this year.
23
Feb
Meta goes after Apple with AI-first smartwatch revival
Meta is reviving its smartwatch ambitions as part of a broader push to define the next era of AI-powered consumer hardware, setting up a fresh competitive battle with rivals including Apple and Google. According to The Information, Meta plans to release its first smartwatch, code-named “Malibu 2,” in 2026. The device will feature health-tracking capabilities and a built-in Meta AI assistant. This revival comes after the company abandoned an earlier smartwatch project in 2022 amid cost-cutting at its Reality Labs hardware division.
23
Feb
US deploys Tech Corps to counter China’s AI expansion in developing markets
The Trump administration plans to overhaul the 60-year-old Peace Corps to support US artificial intelligence (AI) exports and counter China’s expanding AI presence in developing markets. The initiative, branded the “Tech Corps,” would send thousands of US science and engineering graduates overseas to promote American AI hardware, models, and software in markets where Chinese systems are gaining ground, as noted by The Business Times and Bloomberg.
22
Feb
Analysis: Trump’s curtailed tariff powers strengthen Beijing’s leverage and rattle Asian allies
In a dramatic escalation of global trade tensions, President Donald Trump abruptly raised his newly announced global tariff to 15% on Saturday, effective immediately.
22
Feb
India advances OSAT project as Tata wafer fab faces timeline uncertainty
India’s semiconductor drive is advancing unevenly, with quicker momentum in packaging and testing but mounting timeline risks in wafer fabrication, underscoring both progress and structural gaps as New Delhi seeks a larger role in global chip supply chains.
22
Feb
Trump vows to raise global tariff to 15% after Supreme Court ruling
US President Donald Trump said he will raise a planned global tariff to 15%, escalating his trade policy response a day after the US Supreme Court struck down many of his earlier import taxes.
22
Feb
PM Modi lays foundation stone for HCL-Foxconn semiconductor plant in Uttar Pradesh
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, virtually laid the foundation stone for a new semiconductor facility in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh, on February 21, 2026.
22
Feb
India and Brazil agree to boost trade in critical minerals and rare earths
On February 21, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modiheld wide-ranging talks with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to deepen strategic ties and expand cooperation across trade, technology, energy, and critical minerals.