DIGITIMES Asia: News and Insight of the Global Supply Chain

Samsung's eightfold profit jump signals AI spending immunity to geopolitical risk

DIGITIMES — Tue, 7 Apr 2026 01:59:05 GMT

Samsung Electronics reported a record-shattering eight-fold leap in quarterly profit, as insatiable demand for artificial intelligence (AI) memory chips outweighed growing concerns over geopolitical instability in the Middle East.

Anthropic secures 3.5 GW of next-gen compute via landmark alliance with Google and Broadcom

DIGITIMES — Tue, 7 Apr 2026 01:50:15 GMT

Anthropic, Google, and Broadcom today announced a massive expansion of their strategic partnership, unveiling a multi-year roadmap that secures approximately 3.5 gigawatts (GW) of next-generation AI computing capacity for Anthropic.

Analysis: NVLink licensing reshapes semiconductor alliance; potential Broadcom truce

Emily Kuo — Tue, 7 Apr 2026 01:35:07 GMT

In September 2025, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang made a rare joint livestream appearance with Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger to announce a US$5 billion equity investment in Intel. In March 2026, Nvidia followed up with a US$2 billion investment in Marvell Technology. Why Huang is investing in potential competitors so aggressively remains a question.

Formosa Plastics denies cutting PE supply amid US-Iran conflict, confirms March output increase

Eifeh Strom — Tue, 7 Apr 2026 00:10:36 GMT

Impacted by the conflict in the Middle East, Taiwan has recently reported a shortage of plastic bags, raising questions about whether Formosa Plastics Group deliberately reduced production and stockpiled raw materials to drive up prices in the plastic pellet market.

AI is the new electricity — and it's already rewiring the ad industry

Jingyue Hsiao — Tue, 7 Apr 2026 00:10:24 GMT

iKala co-founder and chairman Sega Cheng made a bold declaration at "iKala Connection Day" on March 30: AI is now the world's third essential infrastructure, ranking alongside water and electricity. Computing costs are halving every six months, he said, fueling a wave of adoption unlike anything seen before.

AMT expands into medical and e-paper amid geopolitical uncertainty

DIGITIMES — Tue, 7 Apr 2026 00:09:52 GMT

Industrial touch panel maker Apex Material Technology (AMT), whose core business spans industrial control and medical applications, accounting for up to 90% of its operations, will continue to deepen its presence in the medical and energy-efficient e-paper sectors in 2026. Following shipments of over 10,000 e-paper units in 2025, volumes are expected to grow further in 2026, contributing to tangible revenue and profit gains. The company noted that despite headwinds such as geopolitical conflicts and rising material costs, both revenue and operating margin in 2026 are expected to remain in line with 2025 performance.

Acer's smart mobility sector to hit double-digit growth in 2026

DIGITIMES — Tue, 7 Apr 2026 00:09:38 GMT

Acer's smart mobility strategy is beginning to show results. The company expects the overall industry to rebound in 2026 and anticipates its smart mobility to expand, with full-year growth likely reaching double digits. Key growth markets will be the US and Canada, while opportunities in electric motorcycles and e-bikes are also promising in the Asia-Pacific region. However, despite being a large e-bike market, China is not a current target due to intense competition.

With Vera, Nvidia stops borrowing and starts building its own CPU muscle

Lily Hess — Tue, 7 Apr 2026 00:09:20 GMT

Since artificial general intelligence (AGI) depends heavily on the CPU, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang aims to build the most efficient "AI factory" by tightly controlling CPU development. At GTC 2026, Nvidia aggressively promoted its next-generation self-developed Arm-based CPU designed specifically for agentic AI.

Canada welcomes Chinese EVs as US draws hard line

Elaine Chen — Tue, 7 Apr 2026 00:09:09 GMT

In January 2026, Canada reached an agreement with China to allow the annual import of 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), replacing tariffs that had previously reached as high as 100%. The policy shift has fueled consumer speculation about the prospect of "half-price" cars. In practice, however, industry executives say such expectations are unlikely to materialize.

CCL expansion triggers equipment shortages; lead times extend up to two years

Emily Kuo — Tue, 7 Apr 2026 00:08:55 GMT

Driven by applications such as AI high-speed computing, electric vehicles (EVs), and 5G/6G communications, demand for high-frequency, high-speed PCB materials has surged. Copper-clad laminate (CCL) makers across Taiwan and China, including Elite Material (EMC), Taiwan Union Technology Corporation (TUC), ITEQ, and Guangdong Shengyi Technology (Sytech), have all launched a new wave of advanced capacity expansion.

China channels billions into space start-ups through IPO pipeline

Elaine Chen — Tue, 7 Apr 2026 00:08:30 GMT

In recent years, space has emerged as a central arena of global strategic competition, drawing heavy investment from the US, China, Russia, Japan, South Korea, and India. Among them, China has moved aggressively to commercialize its space sector, encouraging private start-ups to develop rockets and satellites while building an independent ecosystem in low-Earth orbit. The aim is to narrow the gap with SpaceX.

Smartphone order cuts hit IC design as recovery pushes to 2027

DIGITIMES — Mon, 6 Apr 2026 10:12:15 GMT

Market sentiment toward the 2026 smartphone outlook has turned increasingly pessimistic. On the supply side, rising component costs have expanded beyond memory to include across-the-board chip price hikes, making it unclear whether the initial round of handset price increases seen in early 2026 will be the only one.

Out of this world: Taiwan's supply chain sets sights on orbital data centers

DIGITIMES — Mon, 6 Apr 2026 10:12:00 GMT

The surge of generative artificial intelligence is reshaping not only computing power but also the very geography of data centers, extending their reach beyond Earth's atmosphere. In recent years, SpaceX has steadily expanded its low-Earth orbit satellite deployments and submitted a new round of satellite plans to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

China 2.5D packaging demand surges, supporting Korean backend equipment growth

Levi Li — Mon, 6 Apr 2026 10:11:43 GMT

China's semiconductor equipment market is emerging as a critical growth engine for South Korean suppliers, driven by accelerating AI deployment and tighter restrictions on US vendors. Demand for advanced packaging tools is running ahead of expectations, with high-bandwidth memory (HBM) and 2.5D packaging advancing in tandem as central pillars of future growth. At the same time, Beijing's push for supply chain localization is reshaping competitive dynamics and limiting foreign access.

India roundup: India ramps up electronics and chip ambitions with new approvals, local fabs, and supply chain curbs

DIGITIMES — Mon, 6 Apr 2026 10:11:25 GMT

India is accelerating its push to build a self-reliant electronics and semiconductor ecosystem, approving new component projects, supporting local display and chip manufacturing, and tightening market access for Chinese products, as rising investments, policy incentives, and global partnerships position the country as an emerging hub in the global supply chain.

E Ink rides AI-driven power surge as energy concerns boost e-paper demand

Sherri Wang — Sun, 5 Apr 2026 11:02:11 GMT

E Ink Holdings (EIH) posted record revenue and operating profit in 2025, as rising AI-related power demand and energy constraints are driving adoption of low-power display technologies, according to DIGITIMES analyst Jason Yang.

Apple pricing seen as key to 2026 smartphone slump

DIGITIMES — Sun, 5 Apr 2026 11:01:50 GMT

The global smartphone market is set for its steepest decline in more than a decade in 2026, as surging memory prices drive up device costs and weaken demand, according to the International Data Corporation (IDC) and industry sources.

Samsung and SK Hynix to reportedly bolster helium supply chain as Iran conflict risks rise

Charlene Chen — Sun, 5 Apr 2026 11:01:31 GMT

Facing the risk of a prolonged Iran conflict, Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix have reportedly begun strengthening their helium supply chain management for semiconductor manufacturing. Both companies plan to diversify suppliers beyond the Middle East and adjust import ratios by country to maintain stable supply chains.

Taiwan's plan to bring AI into traditional manufacturing heartland

Kevin Wang — Sun, 5 Apr 2026 11:01:12 GMT

Taiwan has long been synonymous with semiconductors and high-tech electronics, but the bulk of its industrial base tells a different story. The country's traditional manufacturing sector — spanning metalworking, textiles, chemicals, and plastics — comprises more than 90% of all manufacturing activity, with 85,300 companies employing 2.08 million people, according to Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) Deputy Minister Chin-tsang Ho.

DDR4 16Gb spot price falls after 2,200% surge as memory market polarizes

Lily Hess — Sun, 5 Apr 2026 11:00:47 GMT

After soaring more than 2,200% over the past year, DDR4 16Gb spot prices have finally begun to decline, signaling a growing polarization in the memory market in the first quarter of 2026. While DRAM and NAND Flash contract prices remain strong on the back of supply constraints and server demand, spot markets — especially in China — are experiencing sharp drops amid weak consumer demand and inventory sell-offs.

China storage module maker Techwinsemi gains from AI-driven NAND cycle, expands smartphone ties

Levi Li — Sun, 5 Apr 2026 10:59:48 GMT

AI data center demand is tightening memory supply while NAND makers phase out low-capacity legacy nodes. Shenzhen Techwinsemi Technology said rising NAND prices are squeezing margins for devices priced near CNY1,000, even as supply shifts create new growth opportunities. The company has secured partnerships with leading Chinese smartphone vendors.

Taiwan space body makes global push with EU and US expo debut

DIGITIMES — Fri, 3 Apr 2026 23:30:34 GMT

Taiwan has spent the past decade quietly assembling one of Asia's most capable space industries, with more than 250 companies now active across satellites, rockets, and related systems. The sector's leading trade body is now ready to take that story to the world. The Taiwan Space Industry Development Association (TSIDA) announced it will send a delegation abroad for the first time in 2026, targeting two of the industry's most prominent international gatherings — the US Small Satellite Conference and Europe's Space Tech Expo.

Semco raises ABF substrate prices as AI server demand surges

Charlene Chen — Fri, 3 Apr 2026 23:30:05 GMT

The explosive growth in artificial intelligence (AI) servers and high-performance computing (HPC) is driving up the value of key components like ABF substrates. With ongoing bottlenecks in the global supply chain for advanced packaging substrates, South Korea's Samsung Electro-Mechanics (Semco) has proactively restructured its product lineup and increased prices. This move reflects not only rising raw material costs but also a structural shift where demand far exceeds supply.

Taiwan-Silicon Valley start-up Anvil Robotics aims to scale intelligent machines

DIGITIMES — Fri, 3 Apr 2026 23:29:53 GMT

Operating across Taiwan and Silicon Valley, the artificial intelligence start-up Anvil Robotics said on April 2 that it had raised US$6.5 million in seed funding, led by Matter Venture Partners, a Silicon Valley investor focused on semiconductors, robotics, and advanced manufacturing. The company said the funds would be used to accelerate development of its "physical AI" infrastructure platform and expand into global markets.

Exclusive: Nanya Tech revenue hits record on DRAM price surge; Kioxia clarifies investment intent

Levi Li — Fri, 3 Apr 2026 23:29:37 GMT

Nanya Technology Corporation (NTC) reported March 2026 revenue of NT$18.17 billion (approx. US$568.15 million), up 16.42% month-over-month and 560.04% year-over-year. First-quarter revenue climbed to NT$49.09 billion, surging 582.91% to a record high, underscoring a sharp rebound in the DRAM cycle.

How second-tier powers are bypassing big tech via Taiwan

DIGITIMES — Fri, 3 Apr 2026 23:29:22 GMT

The global AI narrative is often reduced to a struggle between US- and China-based tech giants. However, a quieter yet more significant movement is emerging among second-tier industrial powers. During a recent lecture, DIGITIMES chairman Colley Hwang spoke about how nations such as Germany, Japan, France, and Canada are increasingly focused on building sovereign AI.

Memory interface chip maker Montage sees DDR5 surge drive 2025 growth

DIGITIMES — Fri, 3 Apr 2026 23:27:11 GMT

Montage Technology reported full-year 2025 revenue of CNY5.46 billion (US$750 million), up 49.9% year on year, while net profit rose 58.4% to CNY2.24 billion, broadly in line with expectations. Adjusted net profit reached CNY2.02 billion, up 62.0%, reflecting solid underlying demand.

New contender to Starlink: Amazon in talks to acquire Globalstar

DIGITIMES — Fri, 3 Apr 2026 23:26:53 GMT

Amazon is in advanced discussions to acquire the satellite communications provider Globalstar, a move that could significantly strengthen its ambitions in low-Earth orbit broadband and sharpen its challenge to SpaceX and its dominant Starlink network, according to people familiar with the negotiations.

Samsung strike threat clouds PMIC, mature-node outlook

DIGITIMES — Fri, 3 Apr 2026 23:26:33 GMT

Samsung Electronics reportedly faces renewed strike risk after union talks stalled, threatening already tight mature-node semiconductor supply chains. Power management ICs (PMICs) and display driver ICs (DDICs) are seen as the most exposed segments, given constrained capacity and firm demand.

PSMC moves up value chain as Europe taps Taiwan to commercialize AI chip research

DIGITIMES — Fri, 3 Apr 2026 08:04:31 GMT

Europe is turning to Taiwan as it looks to bring semiconductor research into production, with foundries such as Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corp. (PSMC) playing a growing role in bridging that gap as the artificial intelligence race intensifies.

PSMC, CEA-Leti strike multi-year deal to ease AI data, power bottlenecks

DIGITIMES — Fri, 3 Apr 2026 08:03:29 GMT

Taiwanese foundry Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corp. (PSMC) and France's CEA-Leti have signed a multi-year agreement on April 3 aimed at easing one of artificial intelligence's most pressing constraints: rising power consumption and data-transfer bottlenecks inside data centers, executives said in an interview with DIGITIMES Asia.

2026 USTR Report: landmark 'ART' pact reshapes US-Taiwan trade landscape

DIGITIMES — Fri, 3 Apr 2026 04:44:43 GMT

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has designated Taiwan as a highly cooperative and pivotal trading partner in its 2026 National Trade Estimate (NTE) Report.

Samsung Electro-Mechanics lifts FC-BGA prices on AI-driven shortage

DIGITIMES — Fri, 3 Apr 2026 04:44:34 GMT

Samsung Electro-Mechanics has raised prices for its high-end flip-chip ball grid array (FC-BGA) substrates as demand from artificial intelligence (AI) servers and high-performance computing (HPC) applications continues to outpace supply, according to South Korean media reports and industry sources.

US faces split Asia: allies build 'sovereignty walls' as digital tensions rise

DIGITIMES — Fri, 3 Apr 2026 04:44:24 GMT

The 2026 National Trade Estimate (NTE) Report signals a new era of digital friction between the US and its closest Asian allies.

US-China trade tensions deepen as supply chains fracture despite tariff truce

DIGITIMES — Fri, 3 Apr 2026 04:44:10 GMT

The trade environment for US businesses operating in or trading with China deteriorated sharply between 2025 and 2026, according to a comparative analysis of the latest National Trade Estimate (NTE) Reports, underscoring a widening gap between high-level diplomacy and on-the-ground economic realities.