Within the semiconductor ecosystem, TSMC is a barometer occupying a pivotal place giving it a comprehensive picture of the direction and outlook of the chip maket, and expectations of its clients - including powerhouses Apple, Nvidia, ADM, Qualcomm and Huawei. The foundry house has not yet revised its first-quarter 2020 guidance, but it remains to be seen whether TSMC will turn pessimistic in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. For PC vendors, the first half of 2020 will probably be a disappointing period with shipments set to nosedive. Worse could be lying ahead for the PC market if the pandemic cannot be contained soon. And Asustek estimates its first-quarter revenues will drop 30% on year with PC shipments to fall 40% sequentially.
TSMC outlook seen as indicator for 2H20 market conditions: Whether TSMC will turn pessimistic about its outlook this year will be an indicator suggesting how the coronavirus spread is impacting the pure-play foundry's target markets, according to industry observers.
Global PC sales to plunge 30% in 1H20: Global PC sales are set to fall over 30% on year in the first half of 2020, due to poor sales in China, Europe and the US in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, according to industry sources.
Asustek expects 30% revenue decline in 1Q20: Asustek Computer expects to post a revenue decline of about 30% on year in the first quarter of 2020, with shipments of its PCs to see a 40% decrease sequentially.
