The large-scale bombings and attacks launched by the US and Israel against Iran have caused significant civilian casualties. With Iran carrying out retaliatory actions, the conflict could trigger a global energy crisis.

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.

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.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung met Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on March 2 and agreed to launch negotiations to upgrade the bilateral free trade agreement (FTA). The upgrade expands cooperation beyond traditional trade into artificial intelligence (AI), small modular reactors (SMR), space and satellite technology, and quantum science, reflecting a shift toward structured technology and energy collaboration.

As hyperscalers' energy consumption continues to rise, pressure to cut carbon emissions is intensifying. Oil giant ExxonMobil recently disclosed during its earnings call that carbon capture opportunities related to data centers are rapidly emerging. The company has held substantive talks with multiple firms and plans to announce related collaborations by the end of 2026.

The US Department of Commerce has announced preliminary affirmative determinations in its countervailing duty investigations into crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells from India, Indonesia, and Laos, setting proposed subsidy rates that could significantly raise import costs if finalized.