IRIS Optronics sees opportunity in cholesteric liquid crystal e-paper

In response to the growing demand for sustainable technologies, the e-paper market is expanding rapidly. E Ink, a leader in electrophoretic e-paper technology, faces competition from IRIS Optronics, known for its cholesteric liquid crystal e-paper technology. Despite this, IRIS Optronics Chairman, Albert Liao, argues that e-paper is the Blue Ocean Strategy where the two companies are not competitors but rather partners, with IRIS Optronics expressing gratitude to E Ink for helping to expand the advertising display market.

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U.S. manufacturing revival faces uphill battle despite Trump’s tariff pressure

The Trump administration is intensifying efforts to cut national debt and encourage the return of manufacturing to American shores, aligning with the “Make America Great Again” initiative. This focus aims at key industry leaders, including Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) and Apple, which derives a substantial portion of its revenue from the US, as well as sectors encompassing mobile phones, PCs, servers, and automobiles.

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Some Taiwan auto makers voice concern over looming tariffs

Facing mounting external pressures, the Taiwan Transportation Vehicle Manufacturers Association (TTVMA) convened senior executives from the nation’s leading automakers and parts suppliers on April 9, 2025, to coordinate a unified response to escalating industry challenges. Companies attending included Kuozuo Motors, China Motor Corporation, Yulon, Yulon Nissan Motor, Honda Taiwan, Ford Taiwan, and SYM, alongside critical component manufacturers.

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As U.S. tariffs escalate, China explores countermeasures targeting tech and IP

The trade conflict between the US and China has intensified, with the US recently announcing an increase in tariffs on Chinese goods to 125%. This move is seen as a reaffirmation of US President Donald Trump’s hardline trade stance and pushes the global trade war to new heights. The two major powers are now akin to being in a game of chicken, with both sides nearing a breaking point.

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Samsung Electronics eyes semiconductor breakthroughs with 2nm and 1.0nm process developments

Samsung Electronics, a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing, is making significant strides in advancing its production capabilities with plans for its 2nm and 1.0nm process nodes. As the company accelerates its technological developments, these initiatives are positioned to play a critical role in Samsung’s push to maintain a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving semiconductor industry.

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China’s RF unicorn OnMicro eyes IPO backed by Huawei, Xiaomi — revenue surges past US$280M

Beijing Onmicro Electronics Co. (OnMicro), a top Chinese fabless RF chip designer, filed for an IPO on the Shanghai STAR Market on March 28, 2025. The company seeks to raise around CNY2.067 billion (approx. US$281.4 million), becoming the second unprofitable firm cleared under the updated STAR Market listing rules. With backing from Xiaomi and Huawei, OnMicro aims to break the foreign stronghold on high-end RF front-end semiconductors.

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Yaskawa Electric grapples with tariff uncertainty amid modest recovery

Yaskawa Electric has forecast an uplift in revenue and operating profit for its fiscal year 2025, spanning from March 2025 to February 2026, propelled by a moderate recovery in the semiconductor market. Despite this positive outlook, the company’s expectations fall short of its initial targets set in its 2023 midterm business plan. Revenue projections have been reduced by JPY100 billion (approx. US$684.21 million), and anticipated operating profit has been decreased by JPY40 billion.

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U.S. tariff threat puts pressure on Taiwan’s export strategy and TSMC investment plans

On April 9th, US President Donald Trump threatened to impose a 100% tariff on Taiwanese products if Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) does not invest in building a plant in the US This move has sparked significant concerns for Taiwan, especially since its industrial products are primarily exported to the US The question now is: who else can Taiwan sell to? The challenge of diversifying markets and mitigating risks has become a critical issue for the island’s economy.

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