DIGITIMES: News and Insight of the Global Supply Chain

OpenAI's ChatGPT about to reach 1B weekly users as AI rivalry heats up

DIGITIMES — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 09:41:45 GMT

OpenAI's chatbot is about to reach a new milestone of 1 billion weekly users, according to internal company data. Although this target was intended to be hit by the end of 2025, it nevertheless remains among the fastest-growing online applications to hit that many users in the short time since the startup was founded.

ASE sees full-year LEAP revenue topping US$3.5 billion amid tight packaging capacity

Sherri Wang — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 09:41:33 GMT

ASE Technology Holding said growing demand for advanced packaging and testing, combined with stronger momentum in its electronics manufacturing services (EMS) business, has tightened capacity across both advanced and conventional packaging. Wafer sorting and final test capacity are also nearing full utilization.

Samsung signs five-year memory deals as chip shortage stretches to 2028

DIGITIMES — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 08:54:04 GMT

Samsung Electronics has signed five-year memory supply agreements with five leading global data center customers and is in the final stages of talks with five more, tying a growing share of its DRAM and NAND output to commitments that run years into the future.

South Korean chip exports increasingly flow to Taiwan for TSMC packaging amid rising AI demand

DIGITIMES — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 08:52:00 GMT

Growing demand for AI chips is sending a larger share of South Korea's semiconductor exports to Taiwan, where Korean-made high-bandwidth memory (HBM) moves into advanced packaging processes led by TSMC.

Microsoft's AI buildout: 88 new data centers, broader model catalog, silicon gains

DIGITIMES — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 07:58:25 GMT

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella laid out how the company is scaling its AI infrastructure and platform to keep pace with demand. He outlined these plans during an earnings call on July 29, when he also announced record revenue above US$331 billion for fiscal year 2026 (ending on June 30), with Microsoft Cloud earnings surpassing US$214 billion and Azure earnings surpassing US$100 billion.

China's DUV shock: the secretive Aishengna rattles ASML with US$1B state backing

DIGITIMES — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 07:47:59 GMT

China's immersion DUV lithography programme has brought a little-known state-backed company into focus. Shanghai Aishengna Electronic Technology Group, founded in August 2023 with CNY7 billion (approx. US$1.03 billion) in registered capital, is reportedly coordinating limited production of domestically developed lithography systems.

Kumamoto quake exposes Kyushu auto supply-chain fault lines

DIGITIMES — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 07:00:04 GMT

Japan's July 28 Kumamoto earthquake disrupted vehicle and component production across Kyushu, forcing Toyota Motor Kyushu, Honda Motor, Nissan Motor and major suppliers to halt or curtail output while assessing factory damage, parts availability and logistics. The stoppages spread beyond Kumamoto into Fukuoka and Oita, exposing the vulnerability of the region's tightly sequenced automotive network.

South Korean suppliers win HBM4 tester orders from SK Hynix

DIGITIMES — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 06:50:42 GMT

South Korean test-equipment suppliers Digital Frontier and UniTest have secured four orders for HBM4 wafer testers from SK Hynix worth a combined KRW247.84 billion (approx. US$172 million) in 2026, expanding domestic vendors' role in a memory-testing segment where Japan's Advantest has long been an established supplier.

GlobalFoundries lands US$300M CHIPS backing for AI silicon photonics

DIGITIMES — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 06:48:06 GMT

GlobalFoundries has signed a letter of intent with the US Department of Commerce for a potential US$300 million award to accelerate US development of silicon photonics technologies used in AI and high-performance computing data centres.

High memory prices could slow China's AI push, analyst says

DIGITIMES — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 06:41:59 GMT

Memory prices are expected to remain elevated through 2026 as AI and data-center demand strains supply, with meaningful supply relief unlikely until well into 2027. A South Korean securities analyst argues that the squeeze could also make it harder for China to expand AI use, although Washington has not identified high memory prices as a policy tool.

Lam Research raises WFE outlook as AI drives NAND, DRAM, advanced packaging demand

DIGITIMES — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 05:57:35 GMT

Lam Research delivered record quarterly results and raised its outlook for global wafer fab equipment (WFE) spending, citing accelerating AI-driven demand across memory, advanced logic and packaging.

Commentary: How AMD and Anthropic plan to build an AI factory not dependent on CUDA

Charlene Chen — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 05:56:09 GMT

Nvidia's power in AI has never rested on GPU performance alone — it has also depended on the CUDA software ecosystem. That moat is now facing a new variable as AMD deepens its challenge through software, systems, and partnerships with Anthropic.

China's 28nm DUV lithography enters fab validation, reportedly guided by State Council-level experts

Levi Li — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 04:33:50 GMT

China's 28nm DUV lithography programme has entered a new phase after Shanghai Aishengna Electronic Technology delivered its first five immersion deep ultraviolet lithography systems.

Samsung foundry to double 2nm design wins in 2026 on Broadcom talks; claims profit turnaround 'possible in near term'

DIGITIMES — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 04:29:49 GMT

Samsung Electronics' foundry business expects its 2nm project wins to more than double year-on-year in 2026, and the company is in talks with Broadcom and other major customers on multiple projects, foundry business EVP Sukchae Kang said on Samsung's earnings call for the second quarter of 2026. This is the clearest sign yet that its advanced-node business is gaining commercial traction after years of trailing TSMC.

Taiwan delays car tax cuts over supply chain concerns

Rodney Chan — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 04:05:40 GMT

Taiwan will not move ahead for now with proposed passenger car tariff cuts, as the government weighs the risk of disrupting the domestic vehicle supply chain and related jobs. Finance Minister Chuang Tsui-yun said the policy cannot currently be implemented because the Taiwan-US agreement tied to US-made cars has been rendered invalid.

US rallies global partners on 6G as competition with China intensifies

DIGITIMES — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 04:04:55 GMT

The US government has launched a multinational initiative to coordinate 6G development, signaling a new phase in the global race to shape next-generation wireless technology and international standards.

Advantest lifts fiscal 2026 forecast as AI chip test demand surges

DIGITIMES — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 04:03:02 GMT

Advantest raised its outlook for the fiscal year ending March 2027 after demand for chip-test equipment tied to AI data centers strengthened, pushing results above market expectations. According to Bloomberg and Nikkei, the Japanese semiconductor equipment maker now expects operating profit to rise 70% in fiscal 2026, compared with a prior forecast of 26% and above the 42% average analyst estimate.

Ennoconn deepens Singapore push with SMF pact and AI forum

DIGITIMES — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 04:02:20 GMT

Ennoconn Technologies held its 2026 Semiconductor x AI Applications Forum at Google's Asia-Pacific headquarters in Singapore on July 29 and signed a memorandum of understanding with the Singapore Manufacturers' Federation (SMF) on the same occasion. The event marked a further step in the Taiwanese technology group's expansion into Southeast Asia's semiconductor and artificial intelligence markets.

China rejects 'overcapacity' claims in new policy paper, defends industrial strategy

DIGITIMES — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 03:58:56 GMT

China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) has released a policy paper rejecting allegations that the country's manufacturing sector suffers from "overcapacity," arguing that the concept has been misused to justify protectionist trade measures against Chinese exports. The document, published on July 28, 2026, outlines Beijing's position on industrial policy, trade balances and global supply chains.

Samsung sees tripled HBM4 sales in 3Q26; HBM share to reach parity with DRAM position

DIGITIMES — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 03:58:48 GMT

Samsung Electronics expects HBM4 sales to increase more than threefold sequentially in the third quarter of 2026, the company said on its earnings call. It projected that HBM4 will account for well over 60% of its total HBM revenue in the second half — a ramp that would lift its HBM market share broadly in line with its overall DRAM share and close the gap that has defined the HBM race since the AI boom began.

Qualcomm to supply compute chips for BMW's next-gen vehicles through 2030s

DIGITIMES — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 03:55:41 GMT

Qualcomm Technologies and BMW Group have signed a long-term agreement under which Qualcomm will supply compute silicon for BMW's next-generation digital cockpit and advanced driver assistance and automated driving systems. The deal, announced on July 29, extends the partnership through the next decade, although financial details of the agreement have not been revealed.

Samsung: memory shortage to worsen in 2027, persist through 2028; locks top customers into multi-year deals

DIGITIMES — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 03:55:24 GMT

Samsung Electronics expects the global memory shortage to become more severe in 2027 than in 2026 and to persist through 2028, memory business EVP Jaejune Kim said on the company's second quarter of 2026 earnings call — and the company is using the crunch to fundamentally restructure how it sells memory, shifting 60-70% of its capacity into binding multi-year supply agreements.

Marvell opens expanded Bengaluru R&D hub, doubling India headcount

DIGITIMES — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 03:40:51 GMT

Marvell Technology has opened 100,000 square feet of additional semiconductor R&D space in Bengaluru and plans to double its India headcount over the next three years as part of a US$250 million investment program.

Italy, US to sign Pax Silica pact on AI, chip supply chains

DIGITIMES — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 03:00:14 GMT

Italy and the US are set to sign a cooperation agreement tied to the US-led Pax Silica initiative on July 31, as Rome expands efforts to secure critical raw materials and semiconductor supply chains.

Intel's reported DDR4 CPU revival expected to boost PC demand in second half

Scarlett Yu — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 02:58:15 GMT

With AI server demand continuing to absorb DRAM production capacity, DDR5 memory prices remain elevated and are expected to rise further.

Meta earnings series 2/2: Zuckerberg defends higher AI expenditure, outlines the path to returns

DIGITIMES — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 02:52:25 GMT

Meta Platforms' second-quarter results showed a widening gap between its fast-growing advertising business and the cost of building AI infrastructure. Free cash flow fell to US$784 million, while the company lifted the lower end of its 2026 capital expenditure forecast to US$130 billion.

Microsoft raises AI infrastructure spending outlook as Azure growth tops expectations

DIGITIMES — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 02:46:16 GMT

Microsoft reported stronger-than-expected fiscal fourth-quarter results, driven by accelerating Azure cloud growth and rising adoption of its AI products, reinforcing investor confidence that the company's heavy investments in AI are generating commercial returns. Robust guidance for the current quarter and continued enterprise demand also eased concerns over spending on AI infrastructure.

Samsung device business swings to loss in 2Q26 as memory boom drives up component costs

DIGITIMES — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 02:43:02 GMT

While record memory earnings powered Samsung Electronics to an all-time-high quarter — consolidated revenue of KRW171.5 trillion (US$118.4 billion) and operating profit of KRW89.5 trillion (US$61.8 billion) — the company's set businesses paid the price of the same supercycle, with the Device eXperience (DX) division swinging to an operating loss of KRW0.8 trillion (US$550 million) in 2Q26.

Meta earnings series 1/2: Revenue beats expectations, but AI spending crushes cash flow

DIGITIMES — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 02:39:33 GMT

Meta Platforms delivered stronger-than-expected second-quarter revenue, but weaker earnings, shrinking free cash flow and a cautious third-quarter outlook intensified investor scrutiny of its rapidly expanding AI infrastructure budget.

Qualcomm's push into data centers and cars signals a broader shift in chip strategy

DIGITIMES — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 02:35:57 GMT

Qualcomm is moving more aggressively into data centers and automotive technology, aiming to reduce its dependence on smartphones and build new growth engines. The company is betting that custom AI silicon, server products, and long-term vehicle deals will help offset softer Apple revenue and position it deeper in infrastructure.

Qualcomm confirms price hike plan and broadens growth bets as Apple sales fade

DIGITIMES — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 02:22:04 GMT

Qualcomm is raising prices across its product portfolio and accelerating a shift beyond smartphones as higher memory and manufacturing costs squeeze margins and Apple-related revenue falls. The company is leaning on automotive, data center, and Android demand to support growth while it works to offset a weaker premium handset mix.

Arm readies AGI CPU shipments, eyes 3Q stream in fiscal 2028

DIGITIMES — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 02:21:02 GMT

Arm Holdings is preparing its first self-designed data center CPU, the Arm AGI CPU, for shipments by the end of calendar 2026, and expects silicon sales to become a separately reported revenue category in fiscal 2028. The change would give Arm a third reported revenue line alongside licensing and royalties as it expands from supplying processor designs to selling complete chips.

Qualcomm completes Modular acquisition to expand AI software platform

DIGITIMES — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 02:18:37 GMT

Qualcomm has completed its acquisition of Modular, strengthening its push into AI software that can run across devices, data centers, and edge systems worldwide. The deal could broaden access to more efficient generative and agentic AI tools, while intensifying competition in a fast-growing market shaping global computing infrastructure.

Marvell plans US$250 million India investment to expand semiconductor R&D

DIGITIMES — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 02:15:48 GMT

Marvell Technology said its planned US$250 million investment in India over three years will deepen semiconductor research, hiring, and infrastructure, with implications for global AI, cloud, and data center supply chains. The move signals how India is becoming a larger hub for engineering talent and advanced chip development worldwide.

Lam Research raises outlook as AI-driven semiconductor demand fuels record revenue and margin expansion

DIGITIMES — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 02:15:33 GMT

On July 29, Lam Research reported record fiscal fourth-quarter results and issued stronger-than-expected guidance, signaling that rising demand for artificial intelligence is accelerating investment in semiconductor manufacturing equipment. The company's performance reflects growing demand for advanced chip production technologies, while analysts said AI-related capacity expansion could continue to support growth across etching, deposition, and service businesses.

Arm's AI-driven data center growth offsets smartphone weakness, but softer handset outlook weighs on shares

DIGITIMES — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 01:55:56 GMT

Arm Holdings reported stronger-than-expected first-quarter results as demand for AI and data center chips lifted licensing and royalty revenue. However, the company's warning of slower smartphone royalty growth overshadowed its upbeat forecast, highlighting the challenge of balancing maturing handset markets with expanding AI opportunities.

Samsung memory sales up 471% in 2Q26; foundry targets double-digit second-half growth

DIGITIMES — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 01:52:18 GMT

Samsung Electronics' Device Solutions (DS) division posted the most profitable quarter in its history in 2Q26, generating operating profit of KRW89.2 trillion (approx. US$61.6 billion) on sales of KRW127.5 trillion (approx. US$88.1 billion) — a 70% operating margin — as the AI-driven memory supercycle intensified.

US FCC curbs Chinese inverters and robots, accelerating global shift in connected device security

Jingyue Hsiao — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 01:49:41 GMT

As power grids, renewable energy systems, and artificial intelligence data centers expand, a new US restriction on Chinese-made inverters and robots could affect suppliers, utilities, and security policies well beyond America. The move may accelerate shifts in global sourcing, tighten scrutiny of connected devices, and influence how other markets manage critical infrastructure risks.

Meta forecasts higher AI spending as legal costs weigh on profit despite strong revenue growth

DIGITIMES — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 01:34:12 GMT

Meta Platforms reported strong second-quarter revenue growth driven by its Family of Apps business, but lower profit and a higher spending outlook highlighted the mounting costs of its artificial intelligence (AI) expansion. The company's updated guidance and ongoing legal challenges prompted investor concerns over the pace of returns from its AI investments.

Qualcomm bets on AI and automotive growth to offset Apple decline as weak outlook pressures shares

DIGITIMES — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 01:32:31 GMT

Qualcomm forecast weaker fourth-quarter earnings and warned that revenue from Apple products will decline faster than previously expected, underscoring near-term pressure on its smartphone business. However, the chipmaker said expanding AI data center, automotive, and other non-handset businesses are expected to replace lost Apple revenue by fiscal 2027.

UMC, Intel advance 12nm process collab with no next-gen plans at this time

Eifeh Strom — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 01:17:33 GMT

United Microelectronics (UMC) stated that its collaboration with Intel to develop a 12nm process is progressing smoothly. The process design kit (PDK) is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, with tape-out scheduled to begin in 2027. Full-scale mass production and revenue contribution are expected to come in 2028.

UMC posts NT$42.26B profit on non-operating investment gains in 2Q26

Eifeh Strom — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 01:16:08 GMT

United Microelectronics (UMC) reported consolidated second-quarter 2026 revenue of NT$68.73 billion (approx. US$2.12 billion) during its earnings call on July 29. The figure is up 12.6% from NT$61.04 billion in the first quarter and 17% year-over-year. Profit margin reached 32.5% in the second quarter, up 3.3 percentage points from the previous quarter.

Samsung says rising memory costs will lift Taiwan smartphone market value more than 8% in 2026

Scarlett Yu — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 00:01:14 GMT

Rising prices for memory and other key components are weighing on smartphone demand in Taiwan, but the overall market value is still expected to grow in 2026, according to Samsung Electronics Taiwan.

Research Insight: German automakers shift strategy as AI powers next-gen cars

Lily Hess — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 00:00:40 GMT

Global automakers are facing slower market growth, the rapid rise of Chinese carmakers, and sustained EV investment, with Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz under strain in recent years. While German automakers still lead the global auto industry, revenue and profitability have come under broad pressure over the past two years as competition shifts from volume growth to product value and operating efficiency.

AMD's Helios gains ground in challenge to Nvidia's CUDA

Lily Hess — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 00:00:19 GMT

AI infrastructure competition is intensifying, but the market is no longer focusing only on GPU performance and is instead re-evaluating the entire computing system. For AMD, the chance to turn software improvements into market share is now emerging, but two hurdles remain: whether ROCm can run stably in large clusters and whether Helios can enter mass production and ship on time.

As Samsung, BOE expand 8.6G OLED capacity, can LGD keep its edge in the IT OLED market?

Kevin Wang — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 23:59:26 GMT

LG Display (LGD) has swung back to profitability in the first half of 2026, as the shift from LCD to OLED displays in smartphones, tablets, and notebooks drives the company into a profitable first-half for the first time in five years. Even so, concerns linger for LGD's long-term competitiveness given its relatively cautious pace of investment, compared to the aggressive expansion of 8.6-gen IT OLED capacity at Samsung Display (SDC) and Chinese panel makers.

Interview: Meet the Taiwan firm that wants to be the world's next big supplier of smart-vehicle 'eyes' with Japan— without China

Willis Ke — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 23:58:49 GMT

As automotive electronics, electrification, software-defined vehicles (SDVs) and AI-defined vehicles (AIDVs) reshape the global auto industry, Taiwan's Ken Sean Industries is accelerating efforts to build a non-China automotive supply chain in partnership with leading Taiwanese electronics companies and Japanese automakers.

India launches homegrown silicon photonics tools to widen access for researchers and industry

DIGITIMES — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 23:58:01 GMT

India has launched two indigenously developed silicon photonics solutions to strengthen local chip design and testing capabilities. The move could matter beyond India, as it could expand global supply chains, lower development barriers, and accelerate the adoption of photonic chips used in communications, sensing, quantum systems, and advanced computing worldwide.

Japan and South Korea MLCC makers signal further price hikes amid AI demand

Jingyue Hsiao — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 23:57:23 GMT

Japan and South Korea's MLCC suppliers are again raising prices, signaling tighter supply conditions that could affect electronics makers worldwide. The moves, led by major passive component manufacturers, suggest AI-related demand is reshaping a market previously softened by weaker consumer and automotive orders.

Roborock sees Taiwan as a test market for smart cleaning devices

Jingyue Hsiao — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 23:57:04 GMT

A once-mocked robot vacuum category has become central to smart home cleaning as busy lifestyles, health concerns, and climate conditions reshape demand. For readers worldwide, the trend highlights how regional needs, rather than technology alone, are now driving product design, pricing, and adoption in household robotics markets.

Kinko says Taiwan optics can cut AR glasses weight and cost for mainstream adoption

Lily Hess — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 23:54:46 GMT

AR smart glasses are shaping up as the next revolutionary device after PCs, smartphones, and smartwatches, but the global optics supply chain still faces a major hurdle: making them light and slim enough for everyday use. Kinko Optical CTO Kuo-hua Wu, however, said Taiwan's semiconductor and optics technologies are well-positioned to break through as the market matures.

Nvidia invests US$1B in Naver's sovereign AI push

Charlene Chen — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 23:54:26 GMT

Nvidia plans to invest in South Korean internet and cloud giant Naver through a US$1 billion third-party share issue for about a 4.5% stake, a move that could make it Naver's third-largest shareholder if the deal closes and treasury shares are canceled. The two companies are also teaming up with global investment firm Brookfield on an AI infrastructure plan worth as much as US$10 billion to turn Naver's GAK Sejong data center into the core of South Korea's sovereign AI factory initiative.

Taiwan launches first robotics competition to benchmark service robots for real-world deployment

Scarlett Yu — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 23:54:03 GMT

Artificial intelligence is rapidly expanding the capabilities of robotics. Yet while industrial robots have become commonplace on factory floors, service robots operating alongside people in hospitals, homes and other public environments still lack widely accepted benchmarks for real-world performance.

Robotics makers race to commercialize dexterous hands for Physical AI

DIGITIMES — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 23:53:36 GMT

The robotics industry is moving from AI demonstrations to commercial deployments as vendors push Physical AI into factories, logistics, retail, food service and homes. The shift centers on whether robots can be built as repeatable products that customers will buy, rather than as machines that simply walk, recognize environments or follow commands.

AI demand squeezes memory supply, pressuring PC and TV markets

Charlene Chen — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 23:53:00 GMT

At an earnings call on July 28, 2026, Coretronics president Sarah Lin said strong demand from the AI industry is creating a clear crowding-out effect on the projector supply chain, which is likely to affect shipments in third-quarter 2026. She also said rising AI-driven memory demand and tighter supply are expected to keep weighing on PCs and TVs.

Greatek sees sustained AI demand, plans Philippines packaging plant acquisition

Jingyue Hsiao — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 23:52:28 GMT

Greatek's latest investment and capacity plans signal how AI-driven semiconductor demand is rippling beyond Taiwan, with implications for global device makers, automakers, and industrial customers. The PowerTech Technology unit said orders remain strong, its bumping lines are full, and it is preparing new overseas capacity to support supply chain diversification.

China's robot vacuum makers race ahead as innovation cycle outpaces smartphones

Scarlett Yu — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 23:52:11 GMT

While humanoid robots have yet to achieve meaningful economies of scale, service robots have already entered an intensely competitive phase.

Less hardware, smarter AI: how a Taiwan startup is making smart glasses weightless

Lily Hess — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 23:51:48 GMT

A Taiwan startup says it has found a way to hide advanced eye-tracking technology inside what looks like an ordinary pair of glasses — using just one camera and a single LED light source.

Amkor reallocates SiP production to Vietnam, freeing Korean cleanrooms for AI packaging

DIGITIMES — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 23:50:57 GMT

Amkor Technology reported record second-quarter results for 2026, characterized by broad-based revenue growth and significant strategic shifts in its global manufacturing footprint. During the subsequent Q&A session, President and CEO Kevin Engel and CFO Megan Faust detailed the company's performance across ten key areas, ranging from volatile smartphone demand to the long-term financial implications of its new US manufacturing facility.

Taiwan smartphone shipments fell below 400,000 in June as seasonal slowdown hits

DIGITIMES — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 23:50:17 GMT

Taiwan's smartphone market slipped into its usual June sales lull, pushing monthly shipments back below 400,000 units. A handset distribution source said total shipments reached 395,000 units in June, down nearly 8% from 429,000 in May as inflation and higher component costs continued to pressure pricing.

BMW secures US battery supply with two-stage plan as AESC site stalls

DIGITIMES — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 23:50:04 GMT

BMW has put a two-stage battery sourcing plan in place to protect supplies for its South Carolina electric vehicle operations as AESC's US cell plant has faced delays tied to foreign entity rules. The strategy is designed to keep the Woodruff, South Carolina, high-voltage battery assembly plant on schedule for the BMW iX5 and other US-built X-series EVs.

Taiwan semiconductor power demand is set to reach 52 billion kWh in 2026

DIGITIMES — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 23:49:49 GMT

Taiwan's semiconductor sector is set to become an even larger driver of electricity demand as AI-related expansion lifts output in wafer fabrication, memory, and advanced packaging. Taipower projected that the industry's power use would reach 52 billion kWh in 2026, underscoring how the island's chip ambitions are reshaping its energy system.

Volkswagen backs EU tariffs on Chinese PHEVs as market pressure builds

DIGITIMES — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 23:49:31 GMT

Volkswagen AG has reversed course on European trade protection and now supports possible EU tariffs on Chinese plug-in hybrid vehicles, after opposing such measures three years ago. The change comes as the automaker faces weaker profits in China, rising competition in Europe, and renewed pressure to protect its home market.

CyberLink posts lower 2Q revenue as PC demand and SEO traffic weaken

DIGITIMES — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 23:49:13 GMT

CyberLink said revenue fell in the second quarter and the first half of 2026 as higher memory prices hurt PC shipments and weaker search engine optimization (SEO) traffic reduced new customer acquisition. The Taiwan-based multimedia software and services developer still returned to profit in 2026, helped by a much smaller foreign exchange loss.

TSMC: JASM utilities back to normal, equipment calibration underway; construction resumes

DIGITIMES — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 12:46:04 GMT

TSMC on Wednesday issued its third statement since a magnitude 7 earthquake struck Kumamoto, Japan on July 28, saying that utility systems at its JASM wafer fab are operating normally, equipment inspection and calibration are in progress, and construction at the site of its second Kumamoto fab has resumed.