The semiconductor industry is bracing for a potential shake-up amid reports that the US government is pushing for Intel to spin off its manufacturing operations into a new entity, with TSMC participating in a joint venture. TSMC, which controls more than 60% of the global foundry market, would bring its technical expertise and manufacturing leadership to the venture. If realized, this move could alter the global semiconductor supply chain, reshaping alliances, competitive dynamics, and technological leadership.

The growing AIoT sector presents a stark departure from traditional supply chain models that Taiwanese chip manufacturers have long relied upon for mobile phones and PCs. This emerging market demands a fundamentally different approach to succeed.

OSAT ASE Technology Holding (ASE) reported its advanced packaging sales exceeded US$600 million in 2024 and projects reaching nearly US$1 billion in 2025. However, citing seasonal factors and limited market demand recovery, the company maintains a conservative outlook, estimating a slight decline in overall operations for the first quarter of 2025 compared to the fourth quarter of 2024.

Morgan Stanley has introduced the "Humanoid 100," a compilation of companies expected to gain from advancements in humanoid robots. Among the companies featured are four from Taiwan: TSMC, Hon Hai Technologies (Foxconn), Hiwin, and Hota.

The market is buzzing with speculation about the mass production timeline for Tesla's Optimus humanoid robot. However, the company hasn't revealed its suppliers. Despite this, many anticipate that THK, a leading Japanese motion component firm, will be a crucial supplier.

Ubiqconn Technology, a subsidiary of FIC Global, witnessed a significant uptick in customer demand, indicating a potential end to the market downturn.

Apple plans to launch a product on February 19 that CEO Tim Cook described as the "newest member of the family."

In 2024, India's smartphone market saw a slowdown in premium device sales, with growth expected to come from low-to-mid-range models in 2025. Despite this, Apple experienced a 34% increase in iPhone shipments, breaking into the top five in the Indian market during the fourth quarter.

Canalys reported on February 11, 2025, that Southeast Asia's smartphone market rebounded in 2024, growing 11% year-over-year after two years of decline, with 96.7 million units shipped. Oppo led the market for the first time with an 18% share, followed closely by Samsung Electronics (Samsung) (17%), while Transsion and Xiaomi shared third place (16%), and Vivo rounded out the top five (13%).

Taiwan's automotive market has entered a stable growth phase, with electric vehicles (EVs) and high-end models showing the most significant expansion. The global momentum for new energy vehicles continues to strengthen, with supply chain players expressing confidence in strong market performance for 2025.

Honda and Nissan have officially called off their merger negotiations, which began in December 2024. Both companies held board meetings on February 13, 2025, where they decided to end the discussions.

Hotai Finance Corporation (HFC), Taiwan's leading auto finance company under the Hotai Motor Group, is advancing corporate transformation through a sub-group development model. By leveraging its subsidiaries—He Jing, He Jun Energy, and Hotai Finance Development—HFC aims to diversify operations and expand its overseas footprint.

CDIL Semiconductors has announced the development and launch of India's first indigenously produced solar bypass diodes. The company states the new product is designed to improve solar panel efficiency and extend panel lifespan. Production of the diodes will take place at CDIL's Mohali facility, and the company has increased its production capacity by 25 million units.

The European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), a pioneering global carbon tariff, will begin charging extra costs on carbon-intensive industries—including steel, aluminum, cement, fertilizers, electricity, and hydrogen—starting in 2026.

China will end subsidies for new renewable energy projects in June 2025, marking a pivotal shift in global clean energy dynamics just as Donald Trump's return to the White House signals reduced US support for the sector.

Lessons from the battlefield in the Russo-Ukrainian War have fueled the rapid acceleration of drone technology, with a trend toward GPS-free navigation emerging both in products showcased at CES 2025, and amid the frontlines in Russia and Ukraine. Companies possessing critical technologies in this field have thus been aggressively pursuing opportunities.

The commercialization of space is reshaping the high-pressure vessel industry as satellite manufacturers seek more efficient solutions for propulsion and attitude control systems.

Taiwan's efforts to expand its drone industry are gaining momentum in Europe, while collaboration with the US remains uncertain amid complex geopolitical dynamics. The Taiwan Excellence Drone Overseas Business Alliance has recently secured crucial backing from European nations, underscoring a deepening Taiwan-Europe partnership. However, the path to US cooperation remains fraught with geopolitical risks, forcing Taiwanese firms to carefully consider their strategic alliances as they navigate the global drone market.

AUO has agreed to sell the Taichung facilities of its subsidiary, AUO Crystal, to Micron Technology. This is the second time the panel maker has sold assets to the memory vendor.

Japan Display Inc. (JDI) announced a major restructuring plan that includes ending LCD production, transitioning to OLED manufacturing through partnerships, and expanding into advanced semiconductor packaging with Taiwanese firm PanelSemi. The company will cease LCD panel production at its main Mobara plant in Chiba Prefecture by March 2026, consolidating operations at its Ishikawa plant. This strategic pivot aims to help JDI break free from chronic deficits caused by intense competition in the display industry.

Excellence Optronics Inc (EOI) has begun constructing a new automotive LED module factory in Querétaro, Mexico. This expansion strengthens EOI's global supply chain, with the facility scheduled for completion by September 2025 and operations beginning in 2026, improving service capabilities in Mexico, Central America, and Europe.