Broadcom's stellar performance and outlook have energized the ASIC market, prompting numerous companies to enter the AI chip arena. The industry sentiment has shifted from overwhelming support for Nvidia to optimism about ASIC chips driving the next wave of AI demand. Cloud service providers are already working to reduce their dependence on Nvidia, as the surge of ASIC developers threatens to disrupt Nvidia's AI chip dominance and intensify competition for AMD.

The Chinese semiconductor industry faces a significant market correction as wafer fabs prepare for a downturn in 2025 amid oversupply concerns, causing substantial impacts across the global semiconductor industry. As one of the world's largest markets for semiconductor equipment, China's declining demand is compelling major international players to revise their strategies.

Merck has announced plans to invest over EUR70 million(US$72.53 million) to construct a new advanced materials development center (AMDC) at its Shizuoka site in Japan. This latest investment brings Merck's total investment in the Shizuoka site to over JPY120 million since 2021.

The White House issued what it describes as the inaugural Quadrennial Supply Chain Review on December 19, 2024, which the incumbent Biden-Harris Administration says represents its efforts to strengthen economic security and build resilient supply chains.

TSMC chairman C.C. Wei recently relayed Tesla CEO Elon Musk's view that Tesla should bet its future on multifunctional robots instead of electric vehicles. This echoes Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang's recent comments highlighting humanoid robots as one of the few robot categories suitable for high-volume manufacturing.

Taiwan's National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) convened a meeting on December 16, 2024, where Chunghwa Telecom chairman Lee-Feng Chien presented a comprehensive strategy to advance its domestic artificial intelligence (AI) industry. During the Executive Yuan-hosted session, Chien outlined six key considerations for propelling the industry forward.

The US government has launched a national- security investigation into TP-Link, the China-founded router maker whose equipment now dominates the American market and has been targeted in repeated Chinese cyber attacks, people familiar with the matter said.

Rafael Microelectronics has outlined its revenue performance for 2024 and future growth strategies, highlighting steady shipment and revenue growth for its wideband RF product line, driven by a solid customer base and increasing penetration with global brands.

In a strategic move to diversify its display supply chain, Apple has selected Tianma Microelectronics to provide 7-inch LCD panels for its upcoming screen-equipped HomePod, scheduled for release in 2025. The Chinese manufacturer secured the contract with an aggressive pricing of US$10 per unit, which industry observers note is exceptionally competitive even among Chinese suppliers.

The European Union initiated a sweeping investigation into Chinese EVs in October 2023, imposing additional tariffs based on automaker compliance levels. BYD and Geely Auto face tariffs of 17% and 18.8%, respectively, while SAIC encounters a steeper 35.3% rate, according to the latest findings.

The accelerating penetration of automotive electronics is driving a technological revolution in the global automobile industry, with thermal management systems playing a pivotal role. King Shing Industrial, a leading supplier of automotive cooling fans and air-conditioning blowers, has announced its strategy to expand from the aftermarket (AM) segment into original equipment (OE).

The automotive supply chain is increasingly worried about the potential expansion of US tariffs to Southeast Asia.

The National Science and Technology Conference, held every four years by the Executive Yuan, is the highest-level meeting shaping Taiwan's technology policy. During the conference on December 16, 2024, Taiwan Semiconductor Industry Association Chairman Cliff Hou expressed industry concerns regarding the supply of green electricity, urging the government to make concrete commitments towards achieving its phased goals for 2030.

Leading Chinese solar manufacturers, including Longi Green Energy Technology, Trina Solar, and JA Solar, have been forced to delay their production capacity expansions as they grapple with severe market oversupply.

Taiwan-based energy solution provider ATE Energy has achieved significant progress in the Philippines market with an order backlog of about NT$11 billion (approx. US$335.83 million) and expects overseas revenues to account for 70% of the overall total in 2025, according to the company.

Taiwan's drone industry is surging amid growing demand for national defense autonomy and cybersecurity, but challenges persist. Companies face stiff competition from low-cost Chinese rivals, pressure to enhance component cost-efficiency, and the need to foster international collaborations.

In remarks at the Executive Yuan's 12th National Science and Technology Conference on December 16, TSMC Chairman C.C. Wei relayed insights from Elon Musk, who envisions multi-functional robots and drones as the next wave of AI applications. Despite Taiwan's promising tech landscape, research by government advisory bodies has identified critical gaps in Taiwan's supply chains for both robots and drones that need urgent attention.

The European Union is committing to build a EUR10.6 billion (approx. US$11.13 billion) constellation of satellites that will provide the bloc with encrypted global internet connectivity in a bid to provide a homegrown alternative to Elon Musk's Starlink.

AmTRAN's operational performance showed marked improvement throughout 2024, with the company announcing plans to expand into AI-enabled display products. While maintaining its core partnerships with US-based manufacturers for display solutions, the company is developing new AI-integrated products slated for launch in 2025. Simultaneously, AmTRAN is streamlining its product portfolio by phasing out underperforming lines to enhance profitability and gross margins.

In response to Taiwan's panel and traditional industries facing fierce competition from Chinese peers, deputy minister of Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) Chin-tsang Ho said that the MOEA will offer R&D subsidies totaling NT$11.6 billion (approx. US$354.15 million) starting in 2025 and welcomes applications from related industry players.

The Chinese government's subsidy program for energy-efficient appliances, combined with anticipated US tariff hikes, has triggered a sudden surge in TV demand in China and the US. This spike, supported by robust sales during key shopping events like Single's Day and Black Friday, has driven up production capacity utilization rates at TV panel manufacturers.