Tensions are flaring yet again between China and the US. China has reportedly made plans to impose export controls on certain lithium batteries, key anode and cathode materials, and manufacturing equipment starting November 8, 2025. If China enforces the controls, consumer electronics like notebooks will be significantly impacted. However, data center Battery Backup Unit (BBU) systems primarily use Japanese and Korean cells, making the impact there relatively limited.

Memory module manufacturer Apacer Technology has, in recent years, been actively expanding into full-color cholesteric liquid crystal electronic paper (ChLCD ePaper). Recognizing that Japan has a strong demand for sustainable solutions, the company has joined forces with IRIS Optronics for CEATEC 2025 in Japan, showcasing the latest applications that combine low power consumption, reflective display, and outdoor visibility.

On October 9, 2025, China's Ministry of Commerce issued Announcements No. 61 and 62, expanding export controls on rare earths. The scope now extends beyond raw materials to include equipment, technology, and assemblies containing rare earth elements. An extraterritorial clause was also introduced, stating that foreign products containing a certain proportion of Chinese-origin rare earths or manufactured using Chinese technology must also apply for export licenses. China emphasized that this clause was intended to improve the regulatory system; in response, the US raised tariffs.

Sino-American Silicon Products (SAS) is demonstrating resilience in the semiconductor and renewable energy sectors through a series of strategic initiatives. Its subsidiary, GlobalWafers (GW), continues to respond proactively to the US market's urgent demand for local sourcing by advancing R&D in third-category semiconductor materials such as gallium nitride (GaN) and expanding renewable energy business lines, strengthening competitive advantages with diversified momentum.

Tatung's revenue momentum continued to strengthen in September 2025, sustaining the company's overall growth trajectory. The company benefited from strong performance in its electronics manufacturing business, particularly with new mini-PC products, as well as growing collaboration with international brands and industry peers. Robust ODM order shipments in its electronics manufacturing division, along with active deliveries from its power and renewable energy systems business in alignment with customer timelines, were key drivers supporting steady revenue growth.

The Philippines has, in recent years, taken a proactive stance on energy transition, aiming to increase the share of renewable energy in its domestic grid to 35% by 2030, 50% by 2040, and beyond 50% by 2050. With the massive renewable energy gap in these aggressive targets, Taiwanese firms are eagerly vying for a slice of this new, emerging market.

The Taiwan InnoTech Expo (TIE) 2025 will take place as scheduled on October 16–18 at the Taipei World Trade Center Hall 1, signaling confidence in Taiwan's innovation momentum even as Washington considers sweeping new tariffs on semiconductor and technology products.

MiTAC Computing Technology Corporation, a subsidiary of MiTAC Holdings, has announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Belgian innovator Tonomia, which focuses on distributed AI renewable energy solutions. This partnership marks an important milestone in advancing sustainable AI infrastructure.

As electric vehicle (EV) adoption surges and global attention on ESG and renewable energy deepens, battery reuse and recycling have become pivotal to the waste battery circular economy. South Korea's eNDIVe is standing out with a dual-track strategy that combines both reuse and recycling, positioning the company for steady long-term growth despite current economic headwinds.

Pahal Solar, an Indian startup integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into solar manufacturing, plans to invest INR170 million (approx. US$1.91 million) to double its production capacity.

The global rare earth market has long been dominated by China, encompassing everything from ore extraction to separation and refining, and even magnet manufacturing. Although the US possesses rare earth resources, high costs, strict environmental regulations, and China's low-price supply led the US to virtually exit the industry after the 1990s, becoming reliant on imports from China.