HMD Global has strategically designated India as a crucial export hub for Nokia phones in response to the evolving dynamics of the global trade environment. The persistent trade tensions between the US and China have prompted the search for alternative supply chains, with India increasingly becoming a favored manufacturing location for numerous companies, including HMD.
Taiwan's Hiwin Technologies, a leading maker of motion control components, has been investing in robotics for years, with a strong focus on industrial applications. Chairman Eddie Chuo has repeatedly emphasized that Hiwin has no plans to produce humanoid robots. Instead, the company continues to enhance its expertise in core components such as harmonic reducers, ball screws, and linear guideways, which are critical across various robot types.
Allis Electric Co. (AEC) is broadening its market focus beyond semiconductors to tap into the surging energy demands of artificial intelligence and data center sectors. The company plans to leverage its established expertise in high- and low-voltage switchgear and transformers, building upon its strong foundation as a supplier to Taiwan's leading semiconductor manufacturers.
LG Electronics has announced a major organizational restructuring aimed at shifting from a product-focused strategy to a solution-driven approach. This strategic realignment seeks to drive sustainable business growth while bolstering the company's competitive edge.
Wistron anticipates reporting a three-digit percentage increase in its AI server sales for 2024, followed by another substantial three-digit growth in 2025, driven by robust market demand, according to the Taiwan-based ODM.
Topco Technologies, which distributes silicone and other chemical materials, is optimistic about demand for AI servers, but the outlook for the automotive sector is bleak.
US President-elect Donald Trump advocated for higher tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China before assuming office. Establishing factories in the US has become essential, as numerous electronic manufacturing services (EMS) providers have operated in a variety of locations. Adjacent to Mexico, Texas is the most preferred location, according to industry sources in Taiwan.
On November 25, US President-elect Donald Trump announced via social media that he would sign an executive order on his first day in office, imposing a 25% tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada, and an additional 10% tariff on Chinese products.
During a recent investor conference in New York, Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon emphasized that since 2021, the company has been actively expanding beyond mobile phones. The company's aggressive execution over the past few years has yielded significant results, a strategy that will continue moving forward.
Following President-Elect Donald Trump's recent announcement of potential new tariff policies, Foxconn chairman Young Liu emphasized that Taiwan's supply chain impacts can only be assessed once the policies are clearly outlined.
Apple is actively pursuing partnerships with Indian manufacturers to establish a local supply chain beyond iPhone production, potentially including components for wearables and other devices, as its China-based suppliers show reluctance to invest in India.
Donald Trump is set to return to the White House in January 2025, and he has already declared on social media that on his first day in office, he will sign an executive order imposing a 25% tariff on goods from Mexico and Canada, as well as a 10% charge on Chinese imports. Given that Mexico is a major priority for many Taiwanese ICT companies in terms of manufacturing migration, this move is likely to trigger another wave of supply chain adjustments.
A series of meetings between Chinese officials and US tech executives signals potential warming ties, with senior representatives from Nvidia and Apple holding discussions in Beijing this month.
Humanoid robots, widely considered the ultimate achievement in robotics, integrate advanced computing, sensors, motors, and AI to replicate human form and movement. Global tech giants including Tesla, Amazon, Nvidia, and Microsoft have intensified their R&D efforts amid renewed interest in the field, while China has emerged as a frontrunner backed by strong government support.
India is preparing to roll out a new set of incentives worth up to US$5 billion, aiming to encourage companies to manufacture electronic components domestically. Designed by India's electronics ministry, this initiative targets the production of parts for various gadgets, ranging from mobile phones to laptops. This move is part of India's broader strategy to strengthen its electronics industry and reduce dependency on Chinese imports.
Nvidia's next-gen Blackwell chips, launched in November, are gearing up for a production surge starting in early 2025. Strong demand for Hopper and GB200 models has already outstripped supply, signaling unprecedented market appetite. Reuters notes Nvidia expects Blackwell sales to surpass initial projections.
Geopolitical tensions have spurred another major shift in global supply chains, as highlighted by TSMC founder Morris Chang's proclamation that globalization is dead. With Donald Trump's upcoming return to the White House, manufacturers are intensifying their supply chain localization efforts, with a particular focus on Vietnam and India while reducing their China dependence.
A booming market for robots has been driving optimism for robotics startups, yet many in the industry point to the challenges of shaking the conventional stereotype that the field of robotics is a mere blue-collar industry. Taiwan-based Touché Solutions is the latest company to attempt to overcome this stereotype and expand the range of robotic applications.
Taiwan-based Qisda Group, with over 200 affiliated companies, continues to expand its global footprint under its "Grand Fleet Strategy." Chairman and CEO Peter Chen highlighted the group's proactive risk management approach through a "three-pronged strategy," rooted in the principle: "Do not rely on the enemy not coming; rely on being prepared for them." This strategy transforms potential risks into opportunities by ensuring readiness before challenges arise.
In the third quarter of 2024, global notebook shipments (excluding detachable models) exceeded expectations, showing a 5.8% growth compared to the previous quarter, but the volumes are expected to slip in the fourth quarter, according to DIGITIMES Research's latest report covering the notebook industry in the second half of 2024.
DIGITIMES Research estimates that global server shipments in the third quarter of 2024 grew by 4.3% compared to the previous quarter, surpassing its earlier forecasts, but because of the high base period built, the fourth-quarter shipments are expected to slip sequentially.
In recent years, industry digitalization has emerged as a vital driver of corporate transformation. S.W. Du, CEO of Synnex Technology International, highlights that adopting digital technologies allows precise monitoring of sales performance and inventory levels, streamlining production and sales coordination. This approach minimizes resource waste and inefficiencies, optimizing overall supply chain efficiency.
President-elect Donald Trump has announced his plan to name Howard Lutnick, a prominent China critic, as Secretary of Commerce. Lutnick will oversee the management of US tariffs and trade policies.
While Nvidia's latest financial report garnered attention for its strong earnings, the focal point was its declining gross margin. This trend extends to ODM firms, with both Foxconn and Quanta - pioneers in GB200 server shipments - reporting margin declines in the third quarter of 2024.
