Following BYD's debut of its "God's Eye" intelligent driving system, the already limited supply of 8-megapixel (8M) automotive CMOS image sensors (CIS) has quickly become a shortage, according to industry sources in China.
With the ongoing development of new-generation processors, the introduction of PCIe Gen5 specifications into high-end PC applications is set to commence in 2025. According to Micron Technology, Gen4 products currently represent 25% of PC applications, and it is expected that half of these will transition to Gen5 over the next year.
Rayzher posted consolidated revenue of NT$633 million (approx. US$19.34 million) in the fourth quarter of 2024, marking a 68.24% year-over-year increase and a new quarterly record.
Microcontroller (MCU) maker Nuvoton held its earnings call for the fourth quarter of 2024 on February 18, during which Chairman Yuan-mou Su pointed to a drop in the automotive segment for the fourth quarter due to increased competition from China. However, with ongoing inventory adjustments, performance is expected to rebound in 2025. Furthermore, MCU's gross margins have remained steady, and the company will continue to optimize costs to maintain its competitive edge in the market.
Forcera Materials is set to be listed on the stock exchange in late March. As one of the few Taiwanese companies with fully integrated capabilities in advanced ceramic material R&D, manufacturing, surface processing, and cleaning, Forcera Materials specializes in three key product categories: ceramics, quartz, and silicon. Many leading global semiconductor manufacturers are among its major clients.
Force-MOS Technology, currently involved in litigation with Asus, saw its profitability impacted by substantial legal fees in 2024. According to market analysts, the company needs monthly revenue of NT$100 million (US$3.05 million) to achieve break-even in 2025 if costs remain at current levels.
Major Taiwanese printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturers are actively investing in setting up facilities in Southeast Asia due to the region's geopolitical considerations, rising demand for servers, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence (AI), as well as investment incentives. Topoint Technology and Aurona, two providers of related consumables and equipment, are following suit, looking for fresh contracts as additional plants are anticipated to start production in 2025.
Japan-based Shibaura Electronics, a global leader in negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor manufacturing, has established a special committee to evaluate a tender offer from Taiwanese passive components maker Yageo.
Silitech Technology, a subsidiary of Walsin Technology, has invested JPY6.75 billion (approx. NT$14.4 billion) to acquire a 45% stake in FDK Corporation, a leading Japanese maker of nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries. This strategic move marks Silitech's entry into the energy and power products market, shifting from its previous focus on automotive and mechanical components.
Increasing demand for high-performance computing (HPC) chip testing, particularly driven by AI applications, led Chunghwa Precision Test Tech to achieve record revenue and profit in the fourth quarter of 2024. With solid test board orders through April, the company anticipates a strong first-quarter performance, potentially setting new seasonal records.
Footprintku, a company focused on digitizing component data, has recently launched new services such as Footprintku.ai to help the electronics industry accelerate its digitalization efforts in response to labor shortages and talent gaps.
Taiwan-based Yageo has launched a takeover bid (TOB) to acquire Japan's Shibaura Electronics. Shibaura responded by claiming it had not been notified in advance. Shortly after, the company formed a special committee of external experts to evaluate the bid and participate in negotiations.
The consumer electronics industry anticipates a gradual recovery in 2024, with supply chain improvements remaining modest—except for companies positioned to capitalize on the AI server boom.
Transmission system specialist Tsang Yow has continued to maintain close partnerships with established carmakers, Tier 1 component suppliers, and after-market (AM) service suppliers. In addition, the company has made progress in its semiconductor layout, with sustained expansion and investments in Southeast Asia.
Taiwan boasts advanced industrial clusters for semiconductors, AI servers, and network communications, which contribute to the country's substantial manufacturing sector. Aside from generating foreign exchange revenue through exports, it encourages investment growth, equipment and material imports, and job development.
Fueled by the ongoing expansion of robotics and AI servers, microcontroller unit (MCU) manufacturers are strategically increasing their focus on brushless DC (BLDC) motors. Recognizing the potential for BLDC motors to become crucial components in industrial machinery and data centers, these companies are positioning themselves for long-term operational growth.
Japanese electronic components supplier Taiyo Yuden has revised its financial forecast for fiscal 2024 (ending March 31, 2025), expecting year-over-year increases in revenue and operating profit.
Global Mixed-mode Technology (GMT), a supplier of power management ICs (PMIC), has maintained its generally cautious view for 2025, as well as its assessment of demand for AI PCs.
Chang Wah Electromaterials (CWE), a leading Taiwan-based semiconductor materials distributor, is witnessing a buoyant period driven by strong demand for advanced packaging. This demand surge is sustaining its order visibility through 2026.
With the start of the Trump 2.0 administration, the global PCB industry is preparing for changes, especially in Southeast Asia's competitive environment. China's PCB sector is expected to grow rapidly in 2024, reflecting a wider investment trend in Thailand. This situation offers challenges and opportunities for Taiwanese manufacturers.
Apple's 2025 product launches are set to drive substantial growth in Taiwan's PCB (Printed Circuit Board) supply chain, with manufacturers benefiting from rising demand for AI technology and low-earth orbit satellite applications. The industry anticipates robust performance in the first quarter of 2025, with several companies maintaining growth even during traditionally slow periods.
FineMat is working hard to transform its core business and expand into the energy and semiconductor industries, actively developing new products. The company expects its consolidated revenue for 2025 to grow compared to 2024, with revenue contributions from new products projected to account for up to 20%.
Taiwanese passive component manufacturers Yageo and Ample Electronic Technology have started 2025 with unexpected revenue growth, bucking the traditional first-quarter slowdown. As customer inventories normalize, industry analysts expect steady ordering patterns to sustain revenue momentum.
Global semiconductor distribution leaders Arrow Electronics and Avnet have expressed cautious optimism about the market outlook, despite ongoing challenges in various regions.
