US technology controls are reaching deeper into communications supply chains. Under FCC 26-50, the Federal Communications Commission no longer focuses only on brands or final assembly. Its emerging framework now extends to chips, modules, software, firmware, design ownership, production location and supply-chain control, raising new compliance risks for optical transceivers, networking equipment and ODM suppliers.
Entering the third quarter, the air freight market has split along regional lines, with Taiwan, South Korea, Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore remaining tight on U.S. and European routes while demand in Europe has softened. Freight forwarders said the front-loading effect tied to U.S. tariff policy has gradually faded, and transpacific ocean rates have eased from earlier highs even as the peak season begins.
Co-packaged optics (CPO) remains a key focus in the AI era. Beyond advanced packaging and testing, compound semiconductors, and other fields, major Taiwan optical manufacturers — including Largan Precision, Asia Optical, Genius Electronic Optical, and JMO Corp. (Zhong Yang Technology) — have successively launched their own CPO initiatives, each pursuing a different strategy. Taiwan-based suppliers acknowledge that Corning, a major glass manufacturer, has a formidable solution, but say many CPO approaches remain under discussion and in development.
Google's planned AI data center in Andhra Pradesh, India, has drawn its first major opposition, with environmental groups protesting over water rights and wildlife concerns. The project, announced in October 2025, calls for US$15 billion in investment over five years and includes participation from Adani Group.
Foxconn is extending decades of expertise in electronics manufacturing, system integration, and assembly, integration and testing (AIT) into the space industry. Through its Pearl satellite missions, the Foxconn Research Institute (FRI) is collecting first-hand data on communications links, orbital operations, and the space environment while giving group-developed hardware an opportunity to establish flight heritage.
Hotai Motor's all-round mobility services unit, Hotai Leasing, will officially launch its public listing on August 11. Hotai Leasing posted NT$2.7 billion (US$83.8 million) in consolidated revenue for July 2026, up 7.0% from the same period in 2025, reflecting strong profitability and a solid financial position.
Acer Gadget, a subsidiary of Acer Group, reported strong second-quarter results for 2026 and said it expects growth to continue in the second half of 2026 as smart-life peripherals gained traction. The Taiwan-based maker said smart safes and smart door locks were supporting performance even as the PC market faces headwinds.
Naver reported record quarterly revenue in the second quarter of 2026, boosted by advertising and e-commerce growth, while operating profit slipped as spending on AI infrastructure weighed on earnings. The South Korean internet company also said its AI factory business with Nvidia is expected to begin generating revenue in the first half of 2027.
Taiwan's role in the global AI supply chain is shifting from manufacturing toward engineering, Nvidia networking senior vice president Gilad Shainer told DIGITIMES in an interview. The island, he said, is increasingly serving as an engineering partner for next-generation AI factories rather than simply an assembler.
