Pure-play foundry United Microelectronics (UMC) anticipates wafer shipments will stay flat sequentially in the first quarter of 2025, with wafer ASPs in US dollars decreasing 4-6%.

Kaynes SemiCon, a fully owned subsidiary of Kaynes Technology India, has emphasized the value of legacy semiconductor packages in driving the country's manufacturing goals.

Samsung Electro-Mechanics is teaming up with South Korean semiconductor materials company SoulBrain to develop materials for glass substrates, with plans for mass production by 2027. This partnership aims to enhance Samsung's supply chain ecosystem and boost the development of next-generation semiconductor technology.

The industrial computer (IPC) sector faced a turbulent 2024 amid global economic and geopolitical uncertainties, leading to reduced inventories, order delays, and project postponements. While these challenges are expected to persist into 2025, optimism remains as economic conditions in Europe and the US stabilize. However, aggressive pricing strategies from Chinese IPC firms in Europe present a growing challenge to market growth.

Microsoft has revised its agreement with OpenAI, allowing the AI company to partner with other cloud service providers (CSPs). However, Microsoft retains the Right of First Refusal (ROFR), giving it a priority to match any competing offers before OpenAI commits to other providers.

The US is anticipated to impose a 25% tariff on Mexico starting February 1, 2025, as proposed by the newly inaugurated President Donald Trump, prompting automotive electronics manufacturing services (EMS) manufacturers to emphasize their need for production flexibility and mobility.

On January 17, it was officially announced that George Zhao would step down as CEO of Honor. Reportedly, the newly appointed CEO Jian Li is a veteran of Huawei, known for his deep research background, extensive overseas market experience, and ability to tackle tough challenges.

The sudden resignation of Honor CEO George Zhao has raised some eyebrows, as the Chinese smartphone brand's market share continues to decline. Analysts believe that Honor's major shareholders are dissatisfied with Honor's weak sales performance ahead of its IPO.

Chinese smartphone brand Honor announced on January 17 that CEO George Zhao has resigned. Jian Li, a former Huawei executive, is set to take over the role. According to the company's statement, Zhao stepped down from both his director and CEO positions for personal reasons. Honor praised his significant contributions to the company's growth and development. Zhao also shared his decision on social media, describing it as "an extremely difficult decision."

President Donald Trump has returned to the White House, and in his inaugural speech, he reaffirmed his commitment to manufacturing in the US as a priority, vowing to revive the American auto industry. In response, auto component manufacturers have highlighted the challenges of establishing production facilities in the US.

During his campaign, Donald Trump announced the removal of the US$7,500 tax credit for consumers purchasing electric vehicles (EVs) under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). As a result, in the past few months, US EV sales have surged, reflecting a buying frenzy before the potential subsidy cuts.

Leading automakers, including General Motors, Toyota Motor, and Volkswagen AG, are challenging stringent vehicle safety rules implemented during the Biden administration. The Alliance for Automotive Innovation has filed a lawsuit in the US Court of Appeals to overturn National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regulations issued in April 2023.

Since Donald Trump assumed office, the White House moved to halt federal leasing for large-scale wind farms, signaling a potential slowdown in US offshore wind development over the next four years. Meanwhile, offshore wind projects in China and Europe are progressing, reshaping the global industry landscape.

Topco Scientific Co. (TSC), a leader in Taiwan's semiconductor and optoelectronics supply chain integration, partnered with Taiwan's automotive lighting giant Depo Auto Parts to unveil a solar power station at Depo's Changbin plant.

Perovskite thin films have emerged as a promising technology in solar energy, particularly when combined with traditional silicon-based solar cells. These hybrid perovskite/silicon solar modules significantly enhance photovoltaic efficiency beyond current standards.

Upon Donald Trump's return to the presidency, Taiwan's overseas expansion strategies are attracting significant attention. Jyh-Huei Kuo, Taiwan's Minister of Economic Affairs (MOEA), recently highlighted the opportunities for collaboration between Taiwan and the US in aerospace technology. It will be the top priority for both Taiwan and the US in the future to strengthen partnerships in the aerospace sector.

Qianfan Constellation, often referred to as China's version of Starlink, has announced its plans to deploy 13,904 low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites by 2030. The project, while ambitious, faces significant challenges, including limited launch site availability, high costs of single-use rockets, and doubts about the survivability and durability of its LEO satellites.

With Trump's return to the White House, global industries are anticipating shifts in sectors like drones, particularly in response to potential drone bans targeting China. As China faces increased export restrictions, Taiwan's strong supply chain is ready to meet the growing demand from US and European manufacturers seeking alternatives, offering Taiwanese companies a prime opportunity to expand their global presence in the drone industry.

Industry observers anticipate accelerated consolidation among second-tier LCD panel makers as US President Donald Trump prepares to implement new trade policies in his second term.

A recent earthquake in Chiayi, Taiwan has caused partial production disruptions at Innolux, though the situation remains under control. This development, combined with PET material shortages for polarizers, has created supply constraints estimated at 10-15%. These factors have strengthened panel makers' confidence in implementing price increases.

Sharp's ex-CEO Jeng-wu Tai has taken legal actions against Foxconn and its founder Terry Gou, demanding more than NT$1 billion (approx. US$30.52 million) in remuneration from a bonus agreement. While the lawsuit is a "labor dispute," it calls attention to the important role that Sharp's Sakai Display Products (SDP) once played in Japan's LCD panel industry.