Chinese handset vendors are eager to adopt anylayer HDI boards for their high-end smartphones, but they currently have to source such boards from outside of China despite the country's bid to raise self-sufficiency for electronics components. Taiwan-based PCB makers Compeq and Unimicron are among those that are able to satisfy Chinese handset vendors' rising demand for anylayer HDI boards. Taiwan-based IC design houses have also seen increases in orders from China for chips supporting fast-charging, and many of them expect strong fourth-quarter 2019 results. In the optoelectronics sector, mini LEDs are presenting opportunities. Taiwan-based Epistar is ready to expand capacity for the mini LED segment next year.
Anylayer HDI demand from Chinese handset vendors rising sharply: Chinese handset vendors are keen on utilizing anylayer HDI boards as mainboards for high-end smartphones adopting 7nm APs, and Taiwan-based PCB makers including Compeq Manufacturing and Unimicron are in a better position to meet the growing demand thanks to their higher yield rates and technology levels than Chinese peers', according to industry sources.
Taiwan analog IC firms see orders for fast-charging devices pick up from China: Taiwan-based analog IC specialists have recently seen orders mainly short lead-time ones for fast-charging solutions pick up from China's high-tech industry, which is looking to reduce its dependence on US-made chips, according to industry sources.
Epistar to allocate at least NT$5 billion for 2020 capex: LED wafer and chip maker Epistar has disclosed plans to set aside a capex budget of at least NT$5 billion (US$164 million) for 2020, mainly for expanding production capacities for mini LEDs, backlight units (BLUs) and VCSEL wafers and diodes.