While US President Donald Trump's recent suspension of tariffs on Canada and Mexico aligns with his characteristic unpredictability, it has heightened concerns about future trade policy directions. Server ODM sources indicate that US clients take the tariff threat seriously and have accelerated their manufacturing relocation plans in reaction.

Alphabet's most recent earnings report indicates that its cloud business is beginning to show signs of slowing amidst growing competition in the AI sector. Nevertheless, the company is continuing to increase its capex investments.

ByteDance's TikTok plans to invest THB126.8 billion (US$3.76 billion) in a Thai data hosting service, marking a major expansion in Southeast Asia. Thailand is emerging as a digital hub, attracting tech giants like Google, AWS, and Microsoft despite workforce challenges.

With the advent of the artificial intelligence (AI) era, Taiwan's industrial ecosystem has become increasingly significant. Samsung Electronics (Samsung), which previously prioritized exhibitions in the US and Europe, is reportedly set to participate in Computex for the first time in 13 years, showcasing advanced products such as high bandwidth memory (HBM).

China's AI startup DeepSeek has emerged as a significant player in the AI landscape. While some US government offices have restricted DeepSeek's use, Amazon's AWS and Microsoft have announced support for DeepSeek models. Recent earnings reports from Meta and Microsoft demonstrate continued investment in AI innovation and infrastructure, with capital expenditures showing no signs of deceleration. Google, set to release its earnings shortly, has yet to declare its position.

The emergence of Chinese AI model DeepSeek has sparked concerns over demand for high-end AI servers, raising fears of a potential blow to Taiwan's server ODMs. However, industry insiders say the market's reaction is overblown. AI server shortages persist, while ODMs have long been preparing for the shift toward edge AI, anticipating its eventual boom.

President Trump's administration has escalated trade tensions since taking office, implementing a 25% tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico and a 10% tariff on Chinese imports since February 1, 2025. The administration is considering additional tariffs targeting semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, steel, aluminum, copper, and oil and gas by mid-February. Potential tariff measures against the European Union are also under consideration.

According to Bloomberg Intelligence (BI) economists Chang Shu and David Qu, the latest 10% tariff hike on Chinese goods shifts the next move to Beijing. Signed by President Donald Trump on February 1, 2025, and effective February 4, 2025, the decision leaves little room for last-minute negotiations. Given Trump's hardline stance and Beijing's vow to retaliate, a reversal appears unlikely.

As 2024 came to a close, major companies unveiled their preliminary financial reports. Simultaneously, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang toured Taiwan, hosting key industry leaders. With the rapid growth of Taiwan's AI server sector and a surge in industry optimism, analysts are bullish on Taiwan's outlook for 2025.

The rise of generative AI has elevated Taiwan's global standing, as it plays a crucial role in providing the hardware for AI computing. In the last two years, Taiwan has experienced a surge in data centers and supercomputing facilities. However, the government faces challenges in energy policy, as cloud providers demand carbon-free and nuclear energy for AI data centers.

When Taiwanese media reported on Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang dining with TSMC, supply chain partners, and AI server company executives, curiosity arose about the VIPs accompanying Huang during his visits to three Nvidia branch offices in China and his attendance at their lunar year-end parties

The Stargate project, a landmark US$500 billion joint venture announced by US President Donald Trump in early 2025, has exposed growing tensions between OpenAI and Microsoft. While initially co-developed by the two companies, Microsoft's role has been significantly reduced, shifting from an expected leadership position to only a technology partner, raising questions about the implications of their partnership in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

Taiwan-based Global PMX, a major manufacturer of automotive powertrain and safety components, has successfully expanded its presence in AI-powered digital healthcare and other sectors while maintaining steady growth in the traditional automotive industry.

Global server shipments are projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4% from 2024 to 2029. However, in 2025, the recovery momentum for servers is expected to be suppressed due to an unstable macroeconomic environment, the new tariff policies implemented during Trump's administration, and ongoing US-China geopolitical competition. This will result in a low shipment growth rate of just 3.9% for the year, according to DIGITIMES.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming industries at an unprecedented pace, and Sintrones Electronics is capitalizing on emerging opportunities in vertical application markets. By redefining its market strategy, the company aims to broaden its industry reach. Kevin Hsu, Sintrones CEO, is optimistic about this strategic transition, anticipating exponential revenue growth over the next three years.

In the 1970s and 1980s, Taiwan's tech industry was on the cusp of a major breakthrough. DIGITIMES president Colley Hwang aptly described this era as one where "heroes always come in groups." Among these trailblazers was Matthew Miau, chairman of the MiTAC-Synnex Group. Under his leadership, Lien Hwa Industrial transitioned from flour production to the tech sector, creating an ICT conglomerate and setting new industry benchmarks. Today, the group is gearing up to leverage AI to drive its future growth.

According to a DIGITIMES survey, the global EMS/ODM industry is becoming increasingly important due to the relocation of global supply chains. However, their 2024 revenues diverged due to differing trends in the AI and smartphone markets.

Malaysia's data center sector maintains an optimistic outlook despite new US export restrictions on artificial intelligence (AI) chips, which were implemented in the final days of President Joe Biden's administration.

Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) has indicated that US President Donald Trump's most significant tariff policies are still pending announcement. A recent MOEA survey on Taiwanese manufacturers' export strategies revealed that only 8.9% have taken proactive measures to address potential US protectionist policies, while the majority maintain an observing stance.

Jeng-wu Tai, former Sharp CEO and retired Foxconn Vice President, has personally clarified to DIGITIMES that his ongoing lawsuit against Foxconn does not involve the company's former chairman Terry Gou, despite earlier rumors suggesting otherwise.

Sharp Corporation is set to announce its fiscal 2024 growth strategy during its earnings presentation in May 2025, covering the period from April 2024 to March 2025. However, key elements of this strategy, such as the CEO-led Innovation Accelerator Project (I-Pro), are already taking shape through ongoing initiatives.

The US intends to sustain its dominance in artificial intelligence (AI), and the market for HPC chips is expected to increase significantly for another four years, according to sources at IC design houses.

The US is set to enhance its AI infrastructure under President Donald Trump's administration, with Taiwan-based server manufacturers Foxconn and Mitac positioned to capitalize on increasing demand.

The industrial computer (IPC) sector faced a turbulent 2024 amid global economic and geopolitical uncertainties, leading to reduced inventories, order delays, and project postponements. While these challenges are expected to persist into 2025, optimism remains as economic conditions in Europe and the US stabilize. However, aggressive pricing strategies from Chinese IPC firms in Europe present a growing challenge to market growth.

Export orders from Taiwan are expected to decline significantly in January 2025, with the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) forecasting values between US$44.5 billion and US$46.5 billion. This represents a month-over-month decrease of 15.9% to 12.1% and a year-over-year decline of 8.1% to 4%.