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Tuesday 8 April 2025
Apple suppliers in China say US tariffs have limited impact — but risks are rising

On April 7, multiple Chinese Apple suppliers responded to the Trump administration's newly announced "reciprocal tariffs." Reports from Xinhua and Sina show that many A-share listed firms downplayed their US exposure and said the policy would have minimal operational impact. They also cited diversified production and flexible strategies to manage risk

Tuesday 8 April 2025
Trump threatens extra 50% tariffs as China stands ground in escalating trade fight; EU proposes 25% retaliatory tariff
US President Donald Trump said he has no plans to suspend tariffs to facilitate trade negotiations, calling this the country's only chance to rebuild its industrial base. He warned that if China does not roll back its 34% retaliatory tariffs on US goods, Washington will slap an additional 50% tariff on Chinese imports, raising the total rate to 104%
Tuesday 8 April 2025
US reciprocal tariffs deal blow to Chinese, Taiwanese manufacturers in Vietnam
On April 2, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order launching a new wave of "Liberation Day" reciprocal tariffs on major trading partners, including China, Taiwan, the EU, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, India, and Malaysia. Rates range from 10% to 46%, with Vietnam hit hardest. China's overall tariff will rise to 54% when a new 34% levy is added to the existing 20%. The measures take effect on April 9, 2025
Tuesday 8 April 2025
Kumamoto prefecture: TSMC's Japan investment undeterred by Trump tariffs
Kumamoto Governor Takashi Kimura recently affirmed that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company's (TSMC) commitment to its investments in Japan, particularly in Kumamoto Prefecture, remains steadfast despite tariff escalation threats from the Trump administration. Speaking to Nikkei, Kimura emphasized that the Japan Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing (JASM) facility, a TSMC subsidiary, was established to cater to domestic Japanese demand. He further noted that assurances of continued investment have come directly from TSMC's headquarters, minimizing the impact of US tariffs on its Japanese operations
Tuesday 8 April 2025
Motherboard makers to halt US shipments by April 9, Japan's CKD plan offers potential relief
The Trump administration's reciprocal tariffs have disrupted global electronics, with mainboard manufacturers shipping to the US until April 9, after which suppliers will halt shipments, sparking a rush to handle inventory and plan for an uncertain future
Tuesday 8 April 2025
Apple, Samsung in tariff crosshairs, Chinese brands watch for aftershocks
US President Donald Trump's latest tariff policy has rattled global markets, pushing industries into rapid damage assessment. While most tech products face varying levels of impact, the smartphone sector appears less directly affected—except for Apple and Samsung, which together dominate the US mobile market
Tuesday 8 April 2025
IC distributors brace for inevitable tariff cost pass-through with potential supply chain adjustments

President Donald Trump's reciprocal tariff policy has sent shockwaves across global markets. Although many countries have since proposed countermeasures, it's expected that these tariffs will lead to significant adjustments in product prices, with the tariff costs gradually passed down the supply chain to end consumers. Supply chain professionals emphasize that the key issue will be how much flexibility and acceptance the market has for these added costs

Tuesday 8 April 2025
Chinese Apple product suppliers shift tariff burden to importers
Trump's reciprocal tariffs have thrown the Apple supply chain into a state of flux, highlighting the intricate web of global manufacturing and the escalating trade war. While Chinese manufacturers initially relocated production to Southeast Asia to circumvent previous US-China tariffs, the recent imposition of levies on Southeast Asian nations has forced them to adopt new strategies
Tuesday 8 April 2025
After high-level phone talks, US prioritizes Japan for tariff negotiations
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and US President Donald Trump have agreed to initiate bilateral discussions on tariff measures, following a phone conversation on April 7. Prime Minister Ishiba conveyed Japan's deep concerns about the potential impact of US tariffs on Japanese companies' investment capabilities, prompting both nations to assign relevant ministers to commence negotiations
Tuesday 8 April 2025
Trump tariffs make India an attractive iPhone export hub
Apple is ramping up iPhone exports from India to the US in response to new tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump, seeking to shield its margins without raising retail prices—for now. According to The Wall Street Journal, sources said Apple views this move as a temporary measure while it tries to secure an exemption from the tariffs, much like CEO Tim Cook did during the previous Trump administration
Tuesday 8 April 2025
Rapidus in talks with 50 potential US clients as challenges to serving Chinese market persist
Rapidus, a Japanese semiconductor firm aiming to mass-produce 2nm chips, commenced partial trial production at its facility on April 1, 2025. According to Rapidus president Atsuyoshi Koike, the company is currently in negotiations with approximately 40 to 50 prospective clients, including major US tech giants—collectively known as GAFAM (Google, Amazon, Facebook, Apple, and Microsoft)—as well as emerging artificial intelligence (AI) startups, for chip foundry services
Tuesday 8 April 2025
China chokes rare earth supply; robotics sector braces for impact
China has imposed new export restrictions on seven medium and heavy rare earth elements—samarium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, lutetium, scandium, and yttrium—through a joint directive from the Ministry of Commerce and the General Administration of Customs. Although intended to curb US access, the move could have far-reaching consequences, with potential disruptions across the robotics sector and its broader supply chain
Tuesday 8 April 2025
Southeast Asia grapples with US tariffs, seeks diplomatic solutions
Southeast Asian nations are navigating a complex trade landscape following US President Donald Trump's announcement of reciprocal tariffs. Despite widespread condemnation of the move as a breach of free trade principles, regional leaders have opted for diplomacy over retaliation, prioritizing continued negotiations with the US
Tuesday 8 April 2025
India's CDIL and Infineon team up to tackle local chip market needs
CDIL Semiconductors, one of India's oldest semiconductor firms, is teaming up with Infineon Technologies to bring localized power discrete solutions to the Indian market
Tuesday 8 April 2025
India says 'no' to BYD while wooing rival Tesla to invest
India will restrict market access to BYD Co. even as it courts investments from US rival Tesla Inc., showing New Delhi's lingering angst with China despite recent signs of a thaw in relationship
Research Report Database
Intel signals overhaul of IDM 2.0 and foundry strategy with Lip-Bu Tan's appointment, says DIGITIMES