21
Jan
OpenAI has designated 2026 as a year for “practical adoption” of AI, signaling a strategic push to accelerate AI deployment across high-value sectors such as healthcare, scientific research, and enterprise applications. The company is simultaneously exploring diversified revenue streams, including advertising, subscriptions, and licensing models.
21
Jan
TSMC capacity crunch signals opportunity for Samsung’s advanced nodes
The explosive demand for AI chips has created a rare production bottleneck for TSMC’s advanced 3nm process, with capacity fully booked through 2027. Deutsche Bank analysts suggest that the crunch may provide a strategic opening for Samsung Electronics to capture orders from major technology firms.
21
Jan
Research Insight: High-end fiberglass cloth supply tightens as server demand spotlights Nittobo
As next-generation AI server platforms enter volume deployment, supply chain constraints are extending beyond high-bandwidth memory (HBM). Bottlenecks are increasingly emerging in printed circuit boards (PCBs) and critical upstream materials, according to DIGITIMES analysis.
21
Jan
Commentary: Taiwan secures most-favored-treatment with tariffs but loses investment edge in China and Vietnam
On January 16, 2026, Taiwan and the US finalized a trade agreement that cuts tariffs on Taiwanese exports to the US to 15% without stacking. The US also pledged most-favored-nation status and duty-free quotas for Taiwan under Section 232 semiconductor-related tariffs regardless of future rate changes. This outcome reflects Taiwan’s technological strength and raises questions about whether Taiwanese firms investing in China and Vietnam will now consider reshoring amid improved US-Taiwan trade terms.
21
Jan
Siemens acquires ASTER to strengthen PCBA test and DFM capabilities
Siemens has acquired ASTER Technologies, a privately held provider of printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) test verification and engineering software, as it moves to expand its electronic design automation (EDA) portfolio. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
21
Jan
Sequoia Capital signals potential investment shift to Anthropic
Sequoia Capital is reportedly set to participate in a major funding round for AI startup Anthropic, marking a departure from its traditional practice of avoiding investments in direct competitors.
21
Jan
AI demand boosts Unimicron and Nan Ya PCB profits in December 2025
The IC substrate industry is accelerating its recovery into a new bull cycle, driven by steady growth in AI-related application demand. At the same time, price increases are gradually taking effect, benefiting companies like Unimicron and Nan Ya PCB, which reported doubled profits for December 2025.
21
Jan
Seeking new growth, Huawei pushes deeper into China’s auto industry with ADS expansion
Huawei plans a sweeping expansion of its presence in China’s smart car industry in 2026, betting that advanced driver-assistance software, in-car operating systems, and digital chassis technologies can become a new pillar of growth as US sanctions continue to constrain its core telecommunications business.
21
Jan
Samsung reportedly exploring ASMPT for TCB supply
Samsung Electronics is reportedly diversifying its supply chain for thermal compression bonders (TCB), a critical tool in high-bandwidth memory (HBM) production, by engaging Singapore-based equipment maker ASMPT in supply discussions.
21
Jan
Jabil invests in semiconductor power systems, expanding chipmaking footprint
Jabil Inc., the global manufacturing and supply-chain services company, said on Tuesday that it had made a strategic minority investment in Eagle Harbor Technologies, a Seattle-based developer of advanced power systems for semiconductor manufacturing, and would partner with the company on production.