LG Electronics is making a bold push into the high-end semiconductor equipment market, setting its sights on hybrid bonding (HB) tools, critical for producing next-generation high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips. Often described by industry insiders as the "dream tool" for future memory packaging, HB systems are seen as essential to boosting performance in AI and data-intensive applications

Geely Automobile Holdings Limited has agreed to fully acquire Zeekr, its high-end electric vehicle brand, in a US$2.4 billion deal aimed at consolidating operations and sharpening global competitiveness in the smart EV segment. The transaction will privatize Zeekr and delist it from the New York Stock Exchange by the fourth quarter of 2025

In early July, the US Department of Commerce issued a stark warning: using Huawei's Ascend AI chips "anywhere in the world" could be considered a violation of US export controls. The statement, though later softened, underscored Washington's growing concerns over China's expanding AI ambitions

As autonomous vehicle (AV) companies worldwide race to accelerate commercialization, Singapore has established itself as a premier proving ground for self-driving technology. South Korean autonomous shuttle startup Autonomous A2Z has seized on Singapore's robust regulatory framework and advanced infrastructure to launch its first overseas operation, partnering with ride-hailing giant Grab to deploy self-driving shuttle services on public roads in Singapore's bustling downtown

Leading battery cathode material manufacturer HCM announced that China's Ministry of Commerce has officially imposed export restrictions on "battery cathode material preparation technology." HCM is actively establishing a demonstration production line for lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP), highlighting Taiwan's increasingly important role in energy autonomy policy

As the European Union and China prepare to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations with a high-level summit in Beijing at the end of July 2025, the atmosphere behind closed doors is far from festive. The main issue at hand is the tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), which have become a contentious point in the increasingly complex trade relationship between the EU and China

Samsung Electronics is accelerating efforts to localize the production of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) blank masks in South Korea through a collaboration with domestic partner S&S Tech. The goal is to pass final quality certification by the second half of 2025, marking a critical milestone in South Korea's push for greater self-sufficiency in next-generation semiconductor materials

ASML reported robust second-quarter earnings, with sales rising 23% year-over-year to EUR7.69 billion (US$8.94 billion), driven by upgrade demand and cost efficiencies. While tariff impacts were milder than expected, the company remains restricted from selling its top-tier EUV tools to China, despite signs of easing geopolitical tensions and renewed chip shipments by US rivals

US President Donald Trump announced a new trade agreement with Indonesia on Tuesday, establishing a 19% tariff on goods imported from the Southeast Asian nation into the United States. This rate represents a significant reduction from an earlier threat of a 32% tariff, signaling a partial de-escalation of trade tensions as the Trump administration continues to push for what it views as more favorable terms with trading partners

The parade of power players to Lei Jun's door tells a story. Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong, Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon, and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang have all made the pilgrimage to meet with Xiaomi's founder and CEO during their China visits. This isn't a coincidence — it's recognition of where the real gravity now lies in China's innovation landscape

New tariff rates from the US government are set to take effect in August, impacting a range of countries, including Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Malaysia, all key players in Taiwan's regional trade network. Despite the broader uncertainties, Taiwan's automotive parts industry is expressing optimism, anticipating a potential surge in orders

India's Dixon Technologies has signed two new agreements with Chinese firms, a joint venture and an acquisition, in a move that could test the central government's evolving approach to foreign direct investment (FDI) from China following the Galwan Valley clash in 2020. These deals bring Dixon's total tie-ups with Chinese partners to five, each awaiting FDI approval by the Indian government

China is pushing large-scale adoption of humanoid robots by directing state-owned enterprises to ramp up procurement. In one of the biggest deals so far, China Mobile (Hangzhou) Information Technology, an arm of China Mobile, awarded a CNY124 million (US$17.2 million) contract in June 2025 to Unitree Robotics and AgiBot (Zhiyuan Robotics), according to reports from Southern Metropolis Daily, SCMP, and STAR Market Daily

Nissan announced on July 15, 2025, that its Oppama plant will cease production by the end of fiscal year 2027. Vehicle manufacturing operations will be transferred to Nissan Motor Kyushu located in Fukuoka Prefecture. Subsidiary Nissan Shatai's Shonan plant is also scheduled to stop production by the end of the fiscal year 2026