As US President Donald Trump marks the first month of his second term in office, the reforms and fiscal austerity measures of Trump 2.0 have exceeded expectations compared to his campaign promises. Whether it is the various cuts proposed by the "Department of Government Efficiency" (DOGE) led by Elon Musk or the recently passed tax reduction and spending cut bill that narrowly cleared the House of Representatives, the pace of these initiatives is astonishing, and their impact is profound

Following his retirement as chairman of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), Mark Liu shifted his focus to the United States. The latest announcement by Micron Technology regarding Liu's appointment to its board has sent shockwaves through the industry

In a historic White House press conference, President Donald Trump joined TSMC Chairman C.C. Wei to announce a monumental US$100 billion investment by TSMC in the United States. The event, attended by US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and White House AI and Semiconductor Advisor David Sacks, underscored America's aggressive push to reassert dominance in the global semiconductor industry. Beyond the staggering financial commitment, the conference revealed the strategic motivations, economic implications, and key personalities shaping this transformative deal

Fueled by the surging demand for CMOS Image Sensor (CIS) components in intelligent driving systems and consumer electronics, Will Semiconductor (WillSemi), the company behind OmniVision, has in recent years eclipsed its American and Japanese rivals to emerge as China's dominant supplier of sensor components. Orchestrating this remarkable ascent is the low-profile yet formidable Renrong Yu

As US tariffs on Mexico and Canada approach implementation after a one-month delay, manufacturers are reassessing US-based production strategies. Apple has pledged a US$500 billion investment over the next four years, including plans for a server manufacturing plant in Houston, Texas, in partnership with Foxconn. The Taiwanese manufacturer has not commented on its involvement

Just one month into his presidency, US President Donald Trump has commanded global attention with his rapid-fire initiatives. The impact of his second-term policies has upended traditional expectations, with industry sources revealing that five major Taiwanese electronics manufacturers are exploring investment opportunities in Texas in response to Trump's tariff threats. However, TSMC maintains a measured stance, carefully monitoring developments

There is a growing sense of unease in Taiwan, driven by what is perceived as a transactional approach from US President Donald Trump. Trump's reported interest in acquiring 50% of Ukraine's rare earth minerals in exchange for security assurances has drawn parallels to Taiwan's situation, particularly regarding its advanced chip manufacturing capabilities

US President Donald Trump announced plans to impose 25% tariffs on auto imports, semiconductors, and pharmaceuticals starting as early as April 2, with potential increases over time. This follows his recent 10% tariff on Chinese goods and 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum

The rapid rise of AI-driven applications in smart healthcare, semiconductors, and data storage has pushed many Taiwanese companies traditionally focused on automotive components to undergo strategic transformations in recent years, achieving significant milestones along the way

In Beijing's early spring of 2025, the Chinese government reconvened its first meeting with private enterprises in nearly six years, with technology taking center stage

US President Donald Trump has increasingly engaged with the media in unscripted exchanges, often deflecting criticism by blaming former administrations, including those of Joe Biden and Barack Obama. His off-the-cuff remarks, which frequently mirror the combative tone of his campaign rhetoric, have raised concerns worldwide. In Taiwan, Trump's latest statements triggered the country's first National Security Council meeting of 2025—not in response to Chinese military maneuvers, but due to the potential economic and geopolitical fallout of his remarks

Apple has scrapped its plans to develop a Micro LED smartwatch in 2024, dealing a blow to the technology's immediate prospects. Yet, the scene at CES 2025 suggests Micro LED remains a hotbed of innovation, with companies pressing ahead on new products and breakthroughs. Apple's retreat may signal challenges, but it hasn't dampened industry momentum

After President Trump claimed that Taiwan has taken America's semiconductor chip business away, some speculate that the US government might regret its decision to provide a US$6.6 billion investment incentive to Taiwan's TSMC. Is it true that under Trump's policies, the US government can avoid spending a dime, while Taiwanese companies and other foreign businesses operating in the US are pressured by tariffs to invest and expand domestically? This prospect has raised significant concerns and challenges for Taiwan

Honda and Nissan scrapped merger talks after failing to agree on terms, marking an abrupt end to what could have been a landmark consolidation in Japan's auto industry. The negotiations, which began in December 2024, were seen as a survival strategy amid intensifying global competition

The Donald Trump Administration reportedly may require TSMC to make tough choices to aid in rebuilding the US's chip manufacturing capabilities, including sharing technologies or establishing a joint venture with Intel. As the semiconductor industry transitions from global free trade to a regional trade system due to strategic and security concerns, the US is adopting China's market-for-technology strategies to secure its national security, reflecting a broader trend of protectionism in the chip industry, similar to developments in the automotive sector