DIGITIMES Asia: News and Insight of the Global Supply Chain

Taiwan partners with French drone leader to boost key tech, global supply chain

Eifeh Strom — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 00:55:09 GMT

Taiwan has partnered with a major French drone manufacturer to build a secure and trusted supply chain network. Taiwan's Metal Industries Research and Development Center (MIRDC) announced it will collaborate with the French drone company on supply chains, key technology deployment, and market expansion — and a preliminary consensus has already been reached.

DJI tops US$11bn, targets imaging leadership within 10 years

Levi Li — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 00:16:20 GMT

SZ DJI Technology founder Frank Wang gave his first interview to Chinese online media in a decade, outlining a shift behind the company's global leadership—from a product-driven model toward a dual focus on products and management.

Samsung Exynos 2700 benchmark leak offers early look at 2nm SF2P performance

DIGITIMES — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 00:16:10 GMT

Samsung's next-generation mobile processor, the Exynos 2700, has appeared in early benchmark tests, offering one of the first real-world signals of how its second-generation 2nm process may perform ahead of mass production.

ASE leads US$3.4B advanced testing push in Renwu

Charlene Chen — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 00:15:58 GMT

Global OSAT leader ASE continued its expansion into advanced processes as its subsidiary ASE Test held a groundbreaking ceremony on April 10, 2026, at the Renwu Industrial Park. ASE collaborated with WinWay and Horng Terng Automation (HTA) to jointly invest in building a high-end semiconductor testing service industrial park that will provide wafer and chip testing services.

Samsung Electro-Mechanics reportedly strengthens role in Nvidia's Groq 3 LPU supply chain with FC-BGA substrate push

DIGITIMES — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 00:15:15 GMT

Samsung Electro-Mechanics has reportedly secured a leading position in the supply chain for advanced substrates used in the Groq 3 language processing unit (LPU), a next-generation inference chip integrated into Nvidia's upcoming Vera Rubin AI platform.

Novatek hits 1Q26 revenue target on SoC, edge AI growth

Eifeh Strom — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 00:15:03 GMT

Taiwanese display driver IC (DDI) leader Novatek Microelectronics reported March 2026 revenue of NT$8.47 billion (approx. US$266.32 million), up 19.9% from February but down 9.6% from the same period a year earlier. The company's total revenue for the first quarter of 2026 reached NT$23.15 billion, rising 1.4% sequentially and falling 14.6% year over year.

Intel unveils ultra-thin GaN chiplet as it advances AI-era systems foundry strategy

DIGITIMES — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 00:14:52 GMT

Intel Foundry has announced a breakthrough in gallium nitride (GaN) chiplet technology, unveiling what it describes as the world's thinnest GaN chiplet as part of its broader push to position itself as a "systems foundry" for the artificial intelligence era.

Beyond AI: Energy, capital and sovereignty will define Asia's next factories

DIGITIMES — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 00:14:40 GMT

Artificial intelligence is entering a capital-intensive phase, with industry executives warning that Asia's next generation of factories will be defined less by breakthroughs in algorithms than by constraints in energy, infrastructure, and capital allocation.

Innolux, AUO say geopolitical and raw-material shocks are supporting short-term panel demand while clouding 2026 outlook

Jingyue Hsiao — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 00:14:25 GMT

Rising geopolitical risks and surging raw-material prices are prompting panel makers to accelerate purchasing and adjust their strategies, supporting short-term demand but creating uncertainty for the second half of 2026. Taiwan's Innolux and AUO told attendees that pre-orders, inflation expectations, and energy risks are reshaping supply chains and product focus across markets.

OpenAI pauses Stargate UK, energy costs and regulation stall AI data centre plans

DIGITIMES — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 00:14:11 GMT

OpenAI has put its Stargate UK project on hold, citing high energy costs and regulatory uncertainty, in a setback for the UK's ambitions to position itself as a global artificial intelligence hub.

Analysis: Taiwan's March supply chain data makes the AI acceleration case better than any earnings call

DIGITIMES — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 00:11:34 GMT

Taiwan's listed AI hardware companies collectively generated $69.7 billion in March 2026 revenue across 13 supply-chain segments — up 63% year-over-year — offering the most comprehensive single-month snapshot yet of where global AI infrastructure spending is actually flowing. The table below covers 49 companies from TSMC's silicon foundry all the way down to the rail kits that slide servers into racks. Read together, the numbers tell a story that goes well beyond any single company's earnings call.

Analysis: Taiwan's AI supply chain posts strong March revenues, signaling the buildout is still accelerating

DIGITIMES — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 20:05:00 GMT

Taiwan's listed companies powering the global AI server supply chain delivered exceptional March 2026 revenues across virtually every segment, with TSMC posting its strongest single-month revenue on record and server ODMs surging on the back of relentless hyperscaler demand for AI infrastructure. The results, amplified by a seasonal rebound from February's Lunar New Year-compressed working days, confirm that the AI hardware buildout is accelerating rather than plateauing.

Catcher adopts cautious outlook, citing supply chain bottlenecks and cost pressures

Lily Hess — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 19:52:00 GMT

Despite revenue growth in March 2026, Catcher Technology is maintaining a prudent outlook for 2026, citing supply chain bottlenecks, cost pressures, and uncertain end-market demand.

Taiwan chip distributors report record quarter on AI boom

Elaine Chen — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 19:52:00 GMT

Taiwan's two largest semiconductor distributors, WT Microelectronics and WPG Holdings, reported record-breaking quarterly results, underscoring how surging demand for artificial intelligence infrastructure is rippling through the global chip supply chain.

BenQ Materials expands into semiconductor processes, targets advanced nodes

Levi Li — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 18:52:00 GMT

BenQ Materials is expanding into semiconductor materials, with president Ray Liu saying the company has entered CMP cleaning brush rollers and begun shipments to wafer fabs. It is also developing wafer grinding tapes and UV debonding tapes, which are currently under customer validation and could begin shipping as early as the end of 2026.

AI spending shifts to edge inference as GITEX Asia spotlights monetization push

DIGITIMES — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 09:19:53 GMT

GITEX Asia 2026 wrapped up in Singapore with a clear shift in industry priorities, as artificial intelligence (AI) spending moves from infrastructure buildout toward monetization, with inference and edge deployment emerging as the next battleground.

AD Technology eyes KRW1T revenue with 2nm CPU platform after shift from TSMC to Samsung DSP

Lily Hess — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 08:46:04 GMT

South Korean IC design firm AD Technology transitioned from the TSMC Value Chain Alliance (VCA) to become one of Samsung's Design Solution Partners (DSPs) in 2019. After overcoming initial challenges, the company has returned to profitability and now aims to surpass KRW1 trillion (US$673.2 million) in revenue by 2029 or 2030 through its self-developed 2nm server platform, ADP620.

Eclat Forever Machinery secures large IC substrate orders with visibility to 2027

Charlene Chen — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 08:42:11 GMT

High-end ABF substrate wet process equipment maker Eclat Forever Machinery (EF) announced that, driven by clear expansion momentum from domestic IC substrate customers, capital expenditures will significantly increase starting in 2026. The company expects related production capacity to remain fully utilized through the end of the year, targeting double-digit revenue growth for the full year.

Cmsemicon seeks suppliers to expand MCU production as supply tightness remains primary limitation

DIGITIMES — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 08:29:53 GMT

Shenzhen China Micro Semicon (Cmsemicon) chairman and general manager Yang Yong announced that the microcontroller unit (MCU) market is gradually recovering and that prices are gradually rebounding. However, the main problem at present remains tight supply, he said during the company's 2025 annual results and dividends briefing held on April 9.

Taiwan accelerates GenAI autonomy with tax exemption for computing investments

Rodney Chan — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 08:06:52 GMT

Taiwan's minister of digital affairs, Yi-Jing Lin, recently pointed out that the Ministry of Finance (MOF) has announced a major incentive encouraging the private sector's investments in AI computing equipment. Under the Act for Promotion of Private Participation in Infrastructure Projects, eligible investors who sign contracts with the Ministry of Digital Affairs (MODA) can enjoy significant tax benefits from their investments in AI computing equipment.

A new kind of computer emerges for the age of AI agents

Elaine Chen — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 07:54:12 GMT

As AI agents grow capable of independently operating computers, drafting documents, and managing schedules, the relationship between humans and machines is undergoing a fundamental shift. A recent viral phenomenon involving so-called "lobster" agents (OpenClaw) has underscored a new question in the market: traditional PCs and smartphones may no longer be the ideal platforms for AI.

Compal sees PC demand steady, server shipments set to double quarterly

Jingyue Hsiao — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 07:52:28 GMT

Compal Electronics' stronger-than-expected March and first-quarter 2026 results signal supply-chain and product-mix shifts with global implications for PC supply, server capacity for AI workloads, and memory pricing dynamics. Investors and enterprise buyers may see tighter PC inventories and accelerated non-PC offerings as Compal pivots toward AI-focused server solutions and smart devices.

Realtek posts 39% revenue surge as new SerDes demand drives growth

Jingyue Hsiao — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 07:50:37 GMT

Realtek's stronger-than-expected March and first-quarter 2026 revenues signal important implications for global supply chains and device makers, showing pull-ins in PC shipments and diversified demand that could affect component sourcing, pricing, and competition in networking, automotive, and AI chip markets worldwide over the coming quarters, as well as investor sentiment.

US expands China lab ban, testing orders shift to Taiwan

Levi Li — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 07:47:08 GMT

The US is moving to broaden restrictions on Chinese laboratories testing electronics, a step that could effectively exclude a large portion of China's testing ecosystem if the proposal is approved.

MAtek sees record March revenue as AI and silicon photonics boost testing demand

Jingyue Hsiao — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 07:33:27 GMT

MAtek's March revenue surge has implications for global chipmakers and AI infrastructure providers: rising demand for advanced material and failure analysis testing linked to AI chip and silicon photonics development could strain testing capacity worldwide and influence timelines for advanced node adoption, optical communications deployment, and related investment.

South Korea targets 2035 i-SMR commercialization, Doosan Enerbility eyes global contract manufacturing lead

Emily Kuo — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 07:31:58 GMT

South Korea has been actively advancing the development of small modular reactor (SMR) technology in recent years. The government, together with Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP), is moving forward with next-generation i-SMR standard design certification and site selection for the first plant. Private-sector player Doosan Enerbility is taking the lead in positioning itself in the global SMR contract manufacturing market, backed by its largest-ever order volume.

E Ink's trade-show shift spotlights rivalry and could accelerate ChLCD commercialization

Jingyue Hsiao — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 07:31:36 GMT

E Ink Holdings will forgo Touch Taiwan in 2026 to showcase at COMPUTEX, ceding a higher-profile presence at the domestic show to cholesteric liquid crystal e-paper maker IRIS Optronics. This move may reshape buyer attention and partnership dynamics in the e-paper sector. The decision reflects E Ink's focus on large-size electrophoretic products and international buyers.

Analysis: Agent computers target next PC role, push AI compute to the edge

DIGITIMES — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 07:30:52 GMT

AI agents are moving beyond chat into execution, handling tasks, workflows, and decisions. That shift is giving rise to a new hardware category: the agent computer. Built for persistent, local AI operation with direct control over tools and data, it is emerging as a contender for the next core of personal computing.

GlobalWafers' 12-inch line to run full in 2Q26 as wafer utilization rises

Jingyue Hsiao — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 07:30:22 GMT

GlobalWafers reported March and first-quarter 2026 revenue that underscores transient operational disruptions with global implications: March consolidated revenue reached NT$5.45 billion (US$171.5 million), up 23.8% month-on-month and flat year-on-year, while first-quarter revenue fell amid holiday- and weather-related capacity impacts at overseas plants, prompting cautious market observation.

Asustek posts record March and 1Q26 revenue on strong AI server demand

Jingyue Hsiao — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 07:25:15 GMT

Asustek's record-breaking March and first-quarter 2026 results reflect surging demand for AI servers and PCs, with broader implications for enterprise infrastructure spending and global supply chains.

Taiwan accelerates SiPh and materials breakthroughs for next-gen AI computing

Willis Ke — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 07:11:08 GMT

Taiwan is stepping up its global semiconductor leadership with a coordinated push into silicon photonics (SiPh) and advanced materials, aiming to meet surging demand for faster, more energy-efficient AI computing while strengthening domestic technological autonomy.

SK Hynix M15X reportedly ramps early production

DIGITIMES — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 07:02:06 GMT

SK Hynix's M15X is widely viewed as the company's next-generation DRAM manufacturing hub in Cheongju, South Korea. Designed primarily to support high-bandwidth memory (HBM) output and advanced 1b DRAM production, the facility is built for AI-era workloads. Its exact status remains partially unconfirmed, but recent media reports point to early production activity and faster-than-expected equipment installation.

Tesla reportedly turns back to affordable cars as growth slows

Elaine Chen — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 06:47:01 GMT

Tesla is developing a new, smaller and lower-cost electric sport utility vehicle, according to people familiar with the matter and the industry, marking a notable shift in strategy for CEO Elon Musk.

Merck's material and equipment push could speed CPO and advanced packaging adoption

Jingyue Hsiao — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 06:45:57 GMT

Merck presented integrated materials and inspection tools at Touch Taiwan 2026 as the panel industry pivots toward chip-on-panel (CPO) and advanced packaging. The company emphasized solutions to improve yield, resolution, energy efficiency, and inspection speed to support next-generation optoelectronic semiconductor integration.

MPI posts record 1Q26 revenue, invests NT$2B in Hsinchu plant expansion

Jingyue Hsiao — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 06:44:03 GMT

Semiconductor test interface leader MPI reported a new quarterly revenue high in the first quarter of 2026, driven by strong demand for AI-related chip testing and signaling sustained growth for the year.