Faced with challenging market conditions, Jamicon Teapo is repositioning its 2025 growth strategy to focus on AI applications, particularly in high-end passive components and high-ASP specialty products, as inflation and reduced consumer purchasing power continue to constrain demand in automotive and consumer sectors.

Amid mounting pressures on talent and resources, Taiwan is looking to widen its horizons abroad, exploring the possibility of establishing science parks beyond its borders as part of its strategy to sustain industrial growth.

Rohm Semiconductor and Valeo have jointly announced a collaboration to design and develop the next generation of power modules for electric motor inverters, combining their expertise in power electronics control. In the initial phase, Rohm will provide Valeo with a 2-in-1 SiC molded module TRCDRIVE pack for future powertrain applications.

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.

Power management and motor control chip standards are evolving in response to increasingly complex end application demands, and microcontroller units (MCU) are being used to handle more sophisticated control tasks. As a result, many companies are now developing integrated solutions that combine various chips with different functions into comprehensive MCU packages.

Advanced material provider Wah Hong is developing packaging and materials for Micro LED and Mini LED technologies with prices ranging from US$200 to US$300 per square meter. Company president Ching-Pin Yeh stated that these products are set to become key drivers of growth and he envisioned Wah Hong to be the "TSMC of coating materials."

Potens Semiconductor, known for its power semiconductors, is actively entering the automotive sector despite the current inventory adjustments in the industry.

Although demand visibility in the microcontroller unit (MCU) market is currently low, MCU players like Padauk Technology believe there will be opportunities for growth in 2025, driven by products that change the cost structure and new technologies.

Printed circuit board (PCB) and copper-clad laminate (CCL) manufacturers are positioning themselves to capitalize on the growing AI server demand to drive growth momentum in 2025.

Finesse Technology, a subsidiary of Highlight Technology Corp, specializes in semiconductor ozone supply systems, remote plasma sources (RPS), RF power systems, and technical maintenance services. These solutions are integral to critical semiconductor manufacturing processes, including chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and atomic layer deposition (ALD).

Niche multi-layer ceramic capacitor firm Holy Stone Enterprise points to uncertain demand in the industrial control market for 2025, in contrast with the automotive sector, which will see clear demand next year, even though inventory checks have continued into the fourth quarter of 2024. In addition, power supply-related demand for AI servers is expected to grow as well.

Despite making progress in DDR5 power management IC (PMIC) development over the past two years, Taiwanese suppliers have seen limited revenue growth in this sector. This limitation stems from persistent market dominance by non-Taiwanese players and memory manufacturers' increasing focus on high-bandwidth memory (HBM) products.

AI was the name of the game for the semiconductor supply chain in 2024, according to IC distributor WPG Holdings, yet shifting supply-demand balance may lead to slightly slower growth in the semiconductor market next year. In the automotive market, as carmakers gradually end inventory adjustments, WPG is seeing initial results from its investments into integrated automotive solutions, as it targets Japanese Tier 1 suppliers.

Eternal Materials, a leading supplier of PCB upstream materials including dry film photoresists, acknowledges China's ongoing economic slowdown. Despite these challenges, spokesperson B.C. Liu confirmed the company's steady operational footing in the region. While maintaining a cautious stance on future growth, Eternal Materials anticipates moderate expansion opportunities ahead.

Mitsui Mining & Smelting (Mitsui) recently announced an increase in copper foil prices, raising concern within the South Korean industry. Given that copper foil is a core material for semiconductor packaging substrates and Mitsui holds a significant market share, this price hike could disrupt related supply chains in South Korea.

Nan Pao Resins Chemical Group, a Taiwan-based hot melt adhesives manufacturer, has been targeting record-high revenues in 2024 and is aiming for high single-digit revenue growth in 2025. Growth is being driven by promising prospects for its three main product lines, as well as benefits from acquisitions and new plant operations.

Peripheral IC distributor Weikeng Industrial has seen robust growth in 2024 driven by strong AI demand, which is expected to continue into 2025 as prospects for AI servers and PCs remain promising.

Passive component distributor Nichidenbo held its earnings call on November 18, during which company president and spokesman Yao-kuo Yu forecasted steady growth in the PC and consumer product markets for 2025. However, the EV market is harder to predict, due to uncertainties stemming from US election results, as well as inventories currently remaining at a higher level.

Silicon carbide (SiC) substrate prices are witnessing unprecedented declines in 2024, marking a dramatic shift in the power semiconductor materials sector. Following a period of sustained high demand and tight supply, the market now grapples with oversupply as Chinese manufacturers significantly expand production capacity. Industry leaders Tianyu and San'an have ramped up output this year, triggering a price war that has pushed prices below production costs and disrupted the global supply chain.

Topco Scientific, a Taiwan-based semiconductor materials supplier, remains confident in achieving its 2024 revenue targets, bolstered by increasing demand from China's foundry sector.

Panjit International, a Taiwanese MOSFET and silicon carbide (SiC) diode supplier, is working to expand its footprint in Europe with its offerings for automotive, electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, solar energy/green energy, industrial control, and power supply.

On November 13, the US government announced a non-binding preliminary agreement with Akash Systems. Through the CHIPS and Science Act, the Department of Commerce intends to allocate up to US$18.2 million in funding to support Akash's development of next-generation semiconductor technologies, according to Reuters.

Zhen Ding Technology (ZDT), a leading PCB manufacturer, reported record third-quarter revenue across key sectors, forecasts continued growth in the fourth quarter, and targets significant gains by 2025.

Sixxon Tech, a specialized supplier of precision metal parts, anticipates robust growth in thermal management, semiconductor, and optical communication sectors in 2025. The company aims to reduce its reliance on automotive components as it focuses on new markets.

Taiwan-based chip resistor maker Ta-I Technology currently maintains a capacity utilization rate of 70-80%, with prices remaining stable thanks to a more balanced supply and demand.