European automakers confront Trump 2.0 tariff reality

The Trump administration has unveiled the second wave of reciprocal tariffs, escalating trade tensions with the European Union. Under the latest announcement, tariffs on EU imports will increase by 10% to 30%, taking effect in August 2025. In response, the EU has finalized a retaliatory tariff list targeting American goods, including Boeing aircraft, automobiles, and whiskey.

Continue reading

Asian nations face new US tariffs; Taiwan’s auto parts makers eye reshored demand

New tariff rates from the US government are set to take effect in August, impacting a range of countries, including Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Malaysia, all key players in Taiwan’s regional trade network. Despite the broader uncertainties, Taiwan’s automotive parts industry is expressing optimism, anticipating a potential surge in orders.

Continue reading

Why Nvidia, Samsung, Qualcomm are all knocking on Xiaomi’s door

The parade of power players to Lei Jun’s door tells a story. Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong, Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon, and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang have all made the pilgrimage to meet with Xiaomi’s founder and CEO during their China visits. This isn’t a coincidence — it’s recognition of where the real gravity now lies in China’s innovation landscape.

Continue reading

China Mobile taps Unitree, AgiBot in US$17 million state-backed robot deal

China is pushing large-scale adoption of humanoid robots by directing state-owned enterprises to ramp up procurement. In one of the biggest deals so far, China Mobile (Hangzhou) Information Technology, an arm of China Mobile, awarded a CNY124 million (US$17.2 million) contract in June 2025 to Unitree Robotics and AgiBot (Zhiyuan Robotics), according to reports from Southern Metropolis Daily, SCMP, and STAR Market Daily.

Continue reading

Dixon’s new deals with Chinese firms test India’s evolving stance on FDI post-Galwan

India’s Dixon Technologies has signed two new agreements with Chinese firms, a joint venture and an acquisition, in a move that could test the central government’s evolving approach to foreign direct investment (FDI) from China following the Galwan Valley clash in 2020. These deals bring Dixon’s total tie-ups with Chinese partners to five, each awaiting FDI approval by the Indian government.

Continue reading