As tensions escalate between the US and Iran, global energy markets have grown increasingly volatile, sending crude oil prices above US$100 per barrel. Nelson An-ping Chang, chairman of Taiwan Cement Corporation (TCC) Group Holdings, warned that if the Middle East conflict drags on, it could evolve into a resource-draining war, driving up energy costs, fueling inflationary pressures, and disrupting supply chains across the global economy.

Intensifying military conflicts in the Middle East have driven up international oil prices, pushing petrochemical product costs higher. PET recycling equipment supplier Boretech has reported a notable increase in customer inquiries following the surge in crude oil and plastic raw material prices.

The heavy reliance on imports for Tungsten in Taiwan has prompted industry calls for strategic stockpiles and tighter controls on metal waste to preserve recyclable resources and improve supply security.

Amid a global supply chain restructuring and energy transition, Sino-American Silicon Products (SAS) has expanded into three major sectors: semiconductors, automotive electronic components, and renewable energy. In 2025's volatile market, SAS's subsidiaries—including GlobalWafers and affiliates Taiwan Specialty Chemicals (TSC), Actron Technology (ATC), and Advanced Wireless Semiconductor Company (AWSC)—have successfully secured profits in advanced processes and AI applications through technological collaboration.

The EU's simultaneous push for stricter emission rules and industrial localization is increasing operational costs and complicating transformation for European carmakers, industry representatives say. The EU's flexible emission mechanism and the newly unveiled Industrial Acceleration Act (IAA) have failed to ease industry concerns.

AI is rapidly driving global computing demand and accelerating semiconductor industry growth. Applied Materials vice president Erix Yu expects the semiconductor market to reach US$1 trillion in revenue in 2026—earlier than previous forecasts.

In early 2026, Tesla CEO Elon Musk visited China to inspect its solar supply chain, focusing on back-contact, heterojunction, and perovskite technologies. This move suggests a reevaluation of SpaceX's future space solar power plans, highlighting a shift from prioritizing performance to emphasizing cost efficiency and scalability.

Wire and cable maker Hotron Precision Electronic Industrial's subsidiary, SmartGreen Solution, signed a long-term partnership with Canadian company Grid Vici on March 5, 2026. From June 2026 to December 2030, SmartGreen will serve as Grid Vici's exclusive manufacturing supplier, securing orders valued at up to NT$20 billion (US$630 million) over 3-5 years. Shipments are expected to begin in 2026.

Rising global silver prices have pushed the cost of silver paste used in solar panels up about 2.5 times in six months, intensifying competition across the solar supply chain and accelerating interest in next-generation solar cell technologies.

While the global economy pins its growth hopes on the rapid scaling of artificial intelligence (AI), the physical foundation of that technology is currently facing an existential threat in the narrow seaways of the Persian Gulf.