Since taking office, President Trump has positioned tariffs as both a strategic tool for national security and a means to bolster the US economy. The ongoing tariffs on Asian nations are just the beginning, with expectations of further actions against these countries in the future. Meanwhile, the Asia-Pacific stock markets have hit a significant low, and national crises are unfolding across the region. How these countries respond will be pivotal not only for their economic stability but also for the global supply chain and the broader world economy

Some luxury car brands have found it difficult to adapt to vehicle electrification, such as Maserati and Porsche, both of which have seen sales dip

Engineering and technology solutions provider Cyient has launched a wholly-owned semiconductor subsidiary, Cyient Semiconductors, with a committed investment of US$100 million. The newly established entity will focus on delivering application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) turnkey solutions, targeting high-growth sectors such as electric vehicles, smart meters, and industrial automation, reports the Times of India, The Hindu, and Hindu Business Line

Japan's MinebeaMitsumi is preparing to launch a counteroffer to acquire Shibaura Electronics, positioning itself as a white knight in response to a hostile takeover bid by Taiwan-based Yageo. Shibaura Electronics confirmed on April 10 that MinebeaMitsumi's proposal will be reviewed by its board, with both companies scheduled to hold a joint press conference later in the day

As the US-China trade war intensifies, Chinese memory module manufacturers are ramping up procurement efforts to secure inventory for at least two to three quarters. Industry insiders reveal that fears of supply chain disruptions, exacerbated by escalating tariff barriers, have prompted these firms to accelerate stockpiling. This unexpected surge in demand has bolstered upstream suppliers and supply chain operations, enabling some companies to meet sales targets ahead of schedule

In a surprising move, US President Donald Trump declared a 90-day tariff suspension for most nations, setting a universal rate of 10% to encourage trade negotiations amidst market instability. Meanwhile, tariffs on China will sharply increase to 125% immediately

Hong Kong is set to host its premier technology showcases this spring, as the 3rd edition of the Hong Kong International Innovation & Technology Expo (InnoEX) and the 21st spring edition of the Hong Kong Electronics Fair will take place from April 13-16, 2025 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. These twin fairs serve as the core events of the city's "Business of Innovation and Technology Week" (BIT Week), spotlighting cutting-edge innovations and the latest electronics trends

After a decade-long absence, French smartphone maker Alcatel is returning to India, partnering with Flipkart and looking for a local manufacturing partner

Touch panel manufacturers in Taiwan are navigating a complex landscape of US tariffs and fluctuating market demands. Young Fast Optoelectronics acknowledges the potential impact of proposed US reciprocal tariffs, though the extent remains unclear. While direct shipments from its Vietnam and Taiwan facilities to the US are minimal, the company faces potential disruption through its customer base, which assembles components for the American market. As of now, order volumes remain stable, making it difficult to quantify the potential disruption

Japan's Nikkei 225 plummeted more than 1,700 points, or over 5%, on April 9 as the latest set of US tariffs, including a massive 104% levy on Chinese imports, took effect. Rising trade tensions between the US and China have created uncertainty for businesses operating within China, including Apple. The tech giant's iPhone production is significantly dependent on Chinese manufacturing, which could be impacted by the ongoing economic dispute

Beijing's push to dominate third-generation semiconductor technology is taking shape along divergent paths, with silicon carbide (SiC) development now accelerating after overcoming technical hurdles while gallium nitride (GaN) leader Innoscience secures important legal victories in its global expansion

Samsung Electronics Executive Chairman Lee Jae-yong, currently visiting Japan, is expected to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to discuss potential cooperation in reviving Japan's electronics and semiconductor industries

In response to significant upheavals in both domestic and international environments, China's automotive industry is rapidly consolidating. This includes the long-rumored mergers among state-owned enterprises (SOEs), which are becoming increasingly clear. Meanwhile, foreign automakers with relatively weak manufacturing capabilities in new energy vehicles must expedite partnerships with Chinese companies; otherwise, their survival space in the Chinese market may be further squeezed

Compared to the wafer fabrication industry, which is highly restricted by equipment limitations, China's IC design sector—based on the opportunities within its domestic market—appears to have a more optimistic outlook. According to DIGITIMES, the output value of China's IC design industry reached US$35.8 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow to US$73.2 billion by 2030, achieving double-digit annual growth. From autonomous driving chips to electronic design automation (EDA) tools, China aims to cover all aspects of the semiconductor industry and cultivate domestic leaders in each field. Huawei's HiSilicon, Cambricon (AI accelerators), Horizon Robotics (ADAS), and Silergy (often referred to as "China's Texas Instruments") all play key roles in this ecosystem

The semiconductor competition in South Korea is set to intensify in early 2025, with major industry players Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix experiencing contrasting trajectories. While Samsung is likely to continue facing difficulties that started in 2024, SK Hynix is poised to sustain its leadership within the high-bandwidth memory (HBM) market through 2025