DIGITIMES: News and Insight of the Global Supply Chain

Huawei chip chief proposes Tau Law V2 centered on time-based scaling

DIGITIMES — Mon, 6 Jul 2026 01:44:02 GMT

Huawei's semiconductor chief is promoting a post-Moore roadmap that shifts industry focus from shrinking transistors to reducing time across the computing stack, a framework backed by internal production claims for Kirin chips and Ascend accelerators. Despite that, he also drew caution because the work remains a preprint, not a peer-reviewed study.

Micron breaks ground on Hiroshima expansion to boost AI memory chip production

DIGITIMES — Mon, 6 Jul 2026 01:39:12 GMT

Micron Technology has begun construction on an expansion of its existing semiconductor plant in Higashi-Hiroshima, western Japan, as part of a JPY1.5 trillion (approx. US$9.3 billion) investment aimed at increasing production of advanced memory chips, particularly high-bandwidth memory (HBM) used in artificial intelligence (AI) processors.

Alibaba reportedly bans Claude Code for employees, citing security concerns as China shifts toward domestic AI coding tools

DIGITIMES — Mon, 6 Jul 2026 01:18:11 GMT

Alibaba has instructed employees to stop using Anthropic's Claude Code for work and remove Claude models from company computers, according to respective sources cited by Yicai, The Information, and Reuters. The move comes after concerns emerged over features in Claude Code that developers said could identify whether users were located in China or affiliated with Chinese research labs.

Taiwan firms face tighter China investment scrutiny after new law

DIGITIMES — Mon, 6 Jul 2026 01:02:32 GMT

China began enforcing its Laws on Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion on July 1, prompting Taiwan officials to warn that the measure could extend Beijing's legal reach beyond its borders. The development is likely to affect companies, travelers, and cross-strait investment decisions, with implications for businesses and regulators across global supply chains.

Apple's foldable phone could lift foldable market momentum

DIGITIMES — Mon, 6 Jul 2026 00:59:56 GMT

Apple's first foldable phone is expected to sharpen competition with Samsung Electronics and Huawei, boost global shipments, and lift average selling prices. The device has yet to launch, but its entry is already shaping expectations for a busier second half, as other major brands prepare new models for global buyers.

Foldable phone market braces for second-half launch wave

DIGITIMES — Mon, 6 Jul 2026 00:56:59 GMT

The foldable phone market is set for a busy second half as Samsung, Huawei, Apple, and Chinese rivals line up new models. Wider launches, higher prices, and fresh designs could lift shipments in 2026, affecting consumer choices, app development, and supply chains across global markets.

Meta's AI cloud idea underscores a search for returns, not an AI retreat

Jingyue Hsiao — Mon, 6 Jul 2026 00:56:58 GMT

Meta is reportedly exploring a new AI cloud infrastructure business that would let enterprises use its AI models and some unused GPU capacity, a move that could lift hardware utilization and create a new revenue stream from its heavy artificial intelligence spending. The proposal has revived talk of an AI bubble, but key industry barometers Nvidia and TSMC still show no sign of a broad demand slowdown.

India launches third semiconductor plant as CG Semi begins commercial production in Gujarat

DIGITIMES — Mon, 6 Jul 2026 00:55:50 GMT

India Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated CG Semi's Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT) facility in Sanand, Gujarat, marking the start of commercial production at what the government described as the country's third semiconductor plant to become operational in 2026. The project forms part of New Delhi's broader effort to build a domestic semiconductor ecosystem under its India Semiconductor Mission and "Make in India" initiative.

Front-loaded Asia-Pacific shipping demand keeps freight rates elevated into peak season

DIGITIMES — Mon, 6 Jul 2026 00:55:23 GMT

Sea and air freight capacity stayed tight as the second-half shipping season approached, with strong exports of AI and semiconductor products from Taiwan to the US continuing to pressure rates. At the same time, freight operators said heavy front-loading in the first half of 2026 could leave peak-season demand weaker later in the year.

Taiwan scooter sales rise in June as SYM holds lead and Gogoro surges

DIGITIMES — Mon, 6 Jul 2026 00:54:06 GMT

Taiwan's scooter market picked up pace in June, a trend that may matter for global suppliers, EV watchers, and consumer brands watching two-wheeler demand in Asia. Sales rose across gas and electric segments, while leading companies used new models, fleet orders, and seasonal promotions to strengthen their positions.

Aeon Motor expands electric vehicle push as regulations speed B2B demand

DIGITIMES — Mon, 6 Jul 2026 00:52:27 GMT

Aeon Motor is expanding its electric vehicle push in Taiwan as tougher carbon rules accelerate fleet conversions for logistics and transport operators. The strategy could influence commercial mobility markets beyond Taiwan, where manufacturers are racing to adapt products, supply chains, and production bases to faster electrification and shifting rider demand.

Transcom lifts 2Q26 revenue 29% on defense and satellite demand

DIGITIMES — Mon, 6 Jul 2026 00:50:48 GMT

Transcom Technology reported June 2026 revenue of NT$78.05 million (US$2.44 million), up 30.78% from the prior month, and second-quarter revenue of NT$228 million, up 28.63% from the first quarter, as domestic and overseas military shipments accelerated. The power amplifier maker said the gain reflected stronger defense-related deliveries in Taiwan and abroad.

USMCA shifts to annual review as trade deficit keeps pressure on Mexico talks

DIGITIMES — Mon, 6 Jul 2026 00:49:11 GMT

The US, Mexico and Canada have moved into annual review talks on the USMCA after Washington declined to approve a straight 16-year extension under the current text, according to PwC Taiwan. The shift matters for Taiwan-based manufacturers that use Mexico as a production base before shipping goods into the US market.

China TPU chipmaker Zhonghao Xinying launches Xuyu AI processor to challenge GPU-based computing

DIGITIMES — Sun, 5 Jul 2026 23:30:00 GMT

Zhonghao Xinying (Hangzhou) Technology has launched its new self-developed high-performance TPU AI processor, Xuyu, alongside Taize 2.0, a software-hardware integrated AI computing platform built around the chip.

AI supercycle could drive semiconductor market beyond US$2 trillion by 2030

DIGITIMES — Sun, 5 Jul 2026 23:29:29 GMT

The global semiconductor market is entering a historically significant growth phase. According to WSTS's latest June forecast, global semiconductor revenue is projected to grow by nearly 90% in 2026, reaching approximately US$1.5 trillion. Growth is expected to remain exceptionally strong in 2027, with year-on-year expansion of around 27%, pushing total market revenue close to US$1.9 trillion.

Asahi Kasei to expand Taiwan photoresist film capacity for AI chip packaging

DIGITIMES — Sun, 5 Jul 2026 23:29:13 GMT

Asahi Kasei, one of the notable suppliers of Sunfort dry film photoresist in Japan, has initiated a fab expansion project in Taiwan. The newly established plant is expected to further elevate capacity performance in cutting and processing semiconductor packaging substrates.

Samsung Electro-Mechanics, Sumitomo Chemical to form glass-core venture for chip substrates

DIGITIMES — Sun, 5 Jul 2026 23:28:56 GMT

Samsung Electro-Mechanics signed a final agreement on July 2 with Sumitomo Chemical's Korean subsidiary Dongwoo Fine-Chem to form a joint venture that will produce glass cores, a key material used in next-generation semiconductor package substrates, the companies said.

India roundup: India accelerates semiconductor ambitions through policy and global partnerships

DIGITIMES — Sun, 5 Jul 2026 23:28:27 GMT

India accelerated its semiconductor ambitions through deeper Japan cooperation, policy advances, new manufacturing partnerships, and local technology investments, reinforcing efforts to strengthen resilient supply chains and expand domestic electronics production despite infrastructure challenges and rising component costs amid intensifying global competition.

Analysis: Taiwan's semiconductor sector enters 2026 helium crunch, with nearly 90% dependent on Qatar

DIGITIMES — Sun, 5 Jul 2026 23:27:51 GMT

Taiwan's chipmakers walked into the 2026 helium supply shock more exposed to Qatar than any other major buyer, sourcing nearly 88% of their rare-gas imports from the Gulf state in 2025, up from 46% four years earlier. With war disrupting the Strait of Hormuz, that concentration leaves fabs vulnerable and the outlook uncertain.

ESMT revenue hits record high as DDR2 and DDR3 prices keep climbing

Levi Li — Sun, 5 Jul 2026 23:27:25 GMT

Elite Semiconductor Microelectronics Technology (ESMT), a memory IC design house, posted record monthly consolidated revenue of NT$4.85 billion (approx. US$152 million) in June 2026, up 8.48% from May and 328.35% from a year earlier, supported by rising prices for niche memory products.

AI reshapes supply chains as Tong Ming upgrades smart manufacturing

Charlene Chen — Sun, 5 Jul 2026 23:26:46 GMT

The AI boom is reshaping global supply chains and accelerating manufacturing's shift toward smarter operations. Tong Ming, the world's largest single stainless-steel fastener maker, said it will invest about NT$140 million (US$4.4 million) in the second half of 2026 to automate a semi-finished goods warehouse at its Changsheng plant, while strengthening automation, digital management, and precision services to boost competitiveness and address challenges from the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and supply-chain restructuring.

From Bloomberg to DIGITIMES: building a media model for the AI era

Scarlett Yu — Sun, 5 Jul 2026 02:45:33 GMT

Manhattan is where financial giants gather. By the weekend, the crowds become so dense that near Times Square, even moving through the streets can be difficult. At moments like this, a walk through Central Park becomes the best choice. With its forests, streams, and seemingly natural ecology, and with plane trees, pines, and olive trees arranged in irregular patterns, Central Park truly is the best place for New Yorkers to rest in the heart of the city.

AI PCs, AR glasses, and robots reshape display tech

Sherri Wang — Sun, 5 Jul 2026 02:45:05 GMT

The rapid expansion of AI applications is redefining what device makers need from display technology.

Applied Materials unveils integrated tools for HBM, chiplet, and 3D packaging scale-up

DIGITIMES — Sun, 5 Jul 2026 02:44:42 GMT

Applied Materials announced a new equipment platform aimed at addressing the memory bandwidth and energy-efficiency bottleneck confronting AI computing, unveiling tools across DRAM, advanced packaging, and process control to help chipmakers boost yields and accelerate mass production. The company said the platform combines materials engineering with process integration to support high-bandwidth memory (HBM), chiplet architectures, and multi-layer 3D stacking on advanced production lines.

Component inflation weighs on manufacturing momentum as Taiwan PMI growth moderates

DIGITIMES — Sun, 5 Jul 2026 02:44:12 GMT

Surging demand for high-bandwidth memory (HBM) used in AI servers has driven shortages and sharp price increases for conventional memory, while microcontroller (MCU) suppliers have also begun passing higher costs on to customers. Apple raised prices for certain Mac and iPad models in late June, and market rumors suggest the upcoming iPhone 18 could see price increases of as much as 30%.

AI, HPC test interface demand drives CHPT June revenue to new monthly high

Scarlett Yu — Sun, 5 Jul 2026 02:43:51 GMT

Test interface supplier Chunghwa Precision Test Tech. Co., Ltd. (CHPT) reported its June 2026 revenue, marking its sixth consecutive monthly revenue record as demand from the market remained strong. The company also posted record quarterly revenue in both the first and second quarters of 2026, underscoring its sustained growth momentum.

Advantest and OpenLight join forces on silicon photonics test platform for mass production

DIGITIMES — Sun, 5 Jul 2026 02:43:28 GMT

Advantest said it has partnered with OpenLight to develop a scalable silicon photonics (SiPh) test solution for mass production environments. The announcement comes as artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing workloads increase demand for silicon photonics and co-packaged optics in data centers.

CSCC advances carbon materials for AI data center BBU supply chain

Charlene Chen — Sun, 5 Jul 2026 02:43:04 GMT

CSCC is pushing its carbon materials, advanced carbon materials, and graphite blocks as a three-pronged strategy to target battery backup units (BBUs) for AI servers. Its advanced carbon materials have entered the final customer certification stage and are expected to secure an entry point into the AI data center supply chain.

Why enterprise AI in manufacturing is stuck at the pilot stage

Willis Ke — Sun, 5 Jul 2026 02:42:37 GMT

At a late-June industry forum, experts from Taiwan's TPIsoftware, the Institute for Information Industry (III), and Phison Electronics agreed that although AI is now indispensable for manufacturing, scaling it up depends less on raw model capability than on whether companies can actually trust it in operation. Fragmented data, weak governance, and cybersecurity concerns remain the primary hurdles keeping companies from moving past pilot projects into full adoption.

Infineon wins fourth German patent ruling against Innoscience, as GaN fight flares in Shanghai

DIGITIMES — Sat, 4 Jul 2026 06:06:22 GMT

Germany's District Court Munich I ruled on July 3 that Innoscience infringed Infineon Technologies' gallium nitride (GaN) patents, barring the Chinese chipmaker from importing, selling, or marketing the affected products in Germany and ordering it to pay damages.

Tesla tops Taiwan imports in June 2026, cuts Supercharger rates

Charlene Chen — Fri, 3 Jul 2026 23:58:38 GMT

Tesla led Taiwan's imported-car market in June 2026, posting 4,369 new registrations and surpassing its highest-ever quarterly delivery pace, as the company said its local owner base has now topped 80,000. Tesla also said more than 70% of its Supercharger stations across Taiwan will switch to a new discounted rate plan starting immediately, with weekend charging costs falling by up to 40% after the weekend peak-off-peak surcharge is removed.

Machvision's June revenue hits another record due to AI demand

Lily Hess — Fri, 3 Jul 2026 23:58:27 GMT

Machvision posted another record monthly revenue in June 2026, as surging demand for AI servers, high-performance computing (HPC), and advanced packaging continued to lift orders for the semiconductor and PCB inspection equipment maker. The company said the biggest challenge has now shifted from winning orders to managing supply chains and expanding capacity.

TSMC's median pay trails four smaller IC design houses, filings show

DIGITIMES — Fri, 3 Jul 2026 23:58:06 GMT

Fabless chip designers dominate the upper ranks of Taiwan's newly disclosed non-managerial employee pay data for fiscal year 2025, with only two capital-intensive manufacturers — TSMC and memory-testing equipment maker Phison — breaking into the top tier typically reserved for asset-light IC design houses.

China's CR Micro raises power chip prices as Chinese suppliers push fresh hikes

Sherri Wang — Fri, 3 Jul 2026 23:57:31 GMT

China Resources Microelectronics (CR Micro), a Chinese power semiconductor integrated device manufacturer, has notified customers and partners that it will raise prices across its entire product lineup starting July 1, with increases beginning at 15%.

SoftBank targets AI cloud market with 10GW US rental plan

Charlene Chen — Fri, 3 Jul 2026 23:55:50 GMT

SoftBank Group (SBG) and telecom subsidiary SoftBank said they will set up a new company in the US in July 2026 to rent out AI computing resources, aiming to challenge CoreWeave and Nebius in the fast-growing AI cloud market. The new unit, SB Neo, is scheduled to begin operations in fiscal 2027 (April 2027 to March 2028).