Intelligent Epitaxy Technology (IntelliEPI), a supplier of epitaxial wafers, is positioned for strong performance in 2025, driven by increasing demand in the artificial intelligence and defense sectors. The company's chairman, Yung-Chung Kao, anticipates moderate operational growth in the second quarter of 2025, supported by a positive outlook for orders. However, the supply of indium phosphide (InP) substrates remains a critical variable, with shipments expected to remain balanced. The company's overarching goal is to achieve an all-time revenue peak for the year.
The US-China negotiations have reached an agreement to temporarily reduce tariffs on each other for 90 days, buying more time for further talks. According to statements from both countries, the US will lower tariffs on China to 30%, while China will reduce tariffs on the US to 10%. However, even with this concession, electronics assembly supply chain players state that production capacity already relocated will not return—it is a one-way move.
Against a backdrop of escalating geopolitical strain and unresolved trade friction, the US and China have concluded a new round of high-level negotiations, releasing a joint statement to adjust and suspend recently imposed tariffs. Though narrow in scope, the deal signals a partial de-escalation and offers markets overdue relief after months of volatility since April 2025.
At the 2025 GPU Technology Conference, Nvidia debuted its first humanoid robot. CEO Jensen Huang proclaimed that "the era of robots has officially arrived" and predicted widespread industrial robot adoption in manufacturing within five years. In response, many Taiwanese manufacturers are positioning themselves as key players in the emerging industry.
Nvidia will collaborate with MediaTek to launch an AI PC platform in 2025. This marks a true breakthrough for MediaTek, solidifying its role as a trusted partner of Nvidia's CEO Jensen Huang. Being included on Huang's ally list brings immense market opportunities. However, industry insiders reveal that talent migrating to Nvidia poses a concern for MediaTek.
Compal Electronics chairman Ray Chen revealed the company will build a factory in Texas. When questioned whether this means Compal will no longer pursue its bid for ZT's US factory, Chen simply stated that all would be clear soon. Industry analysts believe that for Compal, setting up a factory in the US and competing for ZT Systems' facility are two separate matters.
Following a high-level meeting in Geneva, the US and China abruptly announced a 90-day pause in their ongoing tariff war. Under the deal, both countries agreed to lower reciprocal tariffs to 10% for 90 days. However, US tariffs on Chinese fentanyl-related goods remain, and Trump-era levies still keep China's overall tariff burden near 30%—a truce in form, not in substance.
Argosy, a connector manufacturer, reported strong revenue in the first quarter of 2025 thanks to early inventory buildup by customers. Despite potential tariff issues, customer orders remained stable, and new product shipments continued to grow. General Manager Sammy Liu announced on April 12 that the company expects a 30-40% year-over-year revenue increase in the second quarter of 2025. Additionally, with product mix optimization, Argosy aims for a gross margin of at least 50%.
HTC, once a pioneer in smartphones and now a major player in virtual and extended reality (XR), reported a rare return to profitability in the first quarter of 2025 after finalizing a US$250 million deal with Google to transfer a portion of its XR research team and license certain non-exclusive patents.
MediaTek, Taiwan's leading chip design company, reported April 2025 revenue of NT$48.754 billion (approx. US$1.61 billion), up 16% from a year earlier but down nearly 13% month-over-month, reflecting typical seasonal weakness and the fading impact of China's earlier device replacement subsidies.
Taiwan Fertilizer Co. (TFC) has officially launched its third phase development project, with a groundbreaking ceremony for its D7-B Research and Development Building neighboring its current TFC ONE high-tech and business center. At the ceremony, TFC chairman Suen-zone Lee pointed to the company's unwavering dedication, even maintaining its fertilizer business at a loss to support national development policies, and these ongoing projects aim to attract top-tier talent with a stellar work environment.
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