DIGITIMES Asia: News and Insight of the Global Supply Chain

TSMC hints at next-gen LPU bid, stokes speculation that Samsung's Groq order may not last

Joseph(C) Chen — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 09:21:27 GMT

TSMC Chairman C.C. Wei disclosed at the company's first-quarter 2026 earnings call that the foundry is collaborating with a customer on next-generation LPU development —a remark that stopped short of naming Nvidia— but that supply chain observers widely read as signaling TSMC's intent to compete for the inference chip business currently manufactured by Samsung.

TSMC enters 2nm mass production, scales 3nm capacity

Sherri Wang — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 08:46:55 GMT

TSMC laid out its capacity expansion plans and advanced node progress at its first quarter 2026 earnings call. Chairman C.C. Wei reaffirmed Taiwan as the primary base for leading-edge production, citing close coordination with its research and development teams.

Thunder Tiger eyes LUCAS market with low-cost loitering drone

Sherri Wang — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 08:38:02 GMT

Taiwanese drone manufacturer Thunder Tiger Group is developing a domestic version of the Low-cost Unmanned Combat Attack System, or LUCAS, modeled on systems deployed by the US in recent conflicts, as it seeks to build a cost advantage through manufacturing scale.

Yageo posts 40% YoY profit rise in 1Q26, driven by AI demand, price hikes

Eifeh Strom — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 08:34:29 GMT

Passive component manufacturer Yageo held its first-quarter 2026 online earnings call on April 15, reporting strong financial results. Company CEO David Wang said that robust demand from applications related to artificial intelligence (AI) boosted sales of both standard and specialty products. Combined with the gradual impact of price increases, this drove significant growth in revenue and profits for the quarter, exceeding previous projections.

China smartphone market shifts to premium, Huawei and Apple lead in 1Q26

DIGITIMES — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 08:33:30 GMT

China's smartphone market contracted in the first quarter of 2026, but stronger-than-expected demand for premium devices from Huawei and Apple helped cushion the decline and reshape industry priorities.

TSMC guides over 15% 2Q26 revenue growth, N3 margins set to top average

Levi Li — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 08:31:36 GMT

TSMC posted a record profit of NT$572.48 billion (US$18.06 billion) in the first quarter of 2026, marking another high in overall performance. For the second quarter of 2026, TSMC guided revenue between US$39 billion and US$42 billion, up 8.6% to 17% sequentially, or NT$1.236 trillion to NT$1.331 trillion at NT$31.7 per US dollar. Gross margin is forecast at 65.5%–67.5%, with operating margin at 56.5%–58.5%.

Taiwan analog IC firms show varied 1Q26 revenue; motor control and DDR5 PMIC drive growth

Charlene Chen — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 08:28:11 GMT

Taiwanese analog IC companies have recently released their full revenue figures for the first quarter of 2026, revealing mixed performances. Firms with rapidly growing new businesses or market share generally posted strong quarterly results.

MCU demand pull-in lifts first-quarter sales, inflation risk clouds outlook

Levi Li — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 08:18:35 GMT

The traditional off-season for consumer electronics showed unexpected strength in the first quarter of 2026, with microcontroller (MCU) suppliers reporting a wave of early orders. Customers, facing rising costs and sharp increases in memory prices, have accelerated procurement due to concerns over future supply shortages. This front-loading of demand has effectively brought forward the peak season. Still, industry players caution that inflationary pressure linked to ongoing Middle East conflicts could weigh on end-market demand.

Global Expansion of 2.5D/3D Packaging: Strategic Moves in the US, Asia, and Beyond

DIGITIMES — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 08:17:48 GMT

Major OSAT providers accelerate 2.5D/3D advanced packaging deployments in US, Japan, South Korea, and Malaysia with non-Taiwan capacity footprint to expand.

EZconn posts 200% profit surge in March as high-fiber count shipments boost growth

Charlene Chen — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 08:12:52 GMT

Optical communication manufacturer EZconn announced a net profit after tax of NT$312 million (US$9.9 million) for March 2026, marking a 200% increase year on year and earnings per share (EPS) of NT$4.02. Including the previously reported January and February EPS of NT$2.3, the cumulative EPS for the first quarter of 2026 has reached NT$6.32.

China tightens rules against foreign supply chain decoupling

DIGITIMES — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 08:02:39 GMT

The Chinese government has introduced sweeping regulations that authorize investigations and penalties against foreign companies that decouple from China's supply chain. The new rules arrive as global supply chains face mounting geopolitical pressure and China's export surplus continues to grow.

Samsung pushes HBM4 yields as advanced testing and cutting technologies emerge

DIGITIMES — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 07:50:55 GMT

Samsung Electronics is accelerating efforts to improve yields for its sixth-generation high bandwidth memory (HBM4), as it seeks to narrow the gap with market leader SK hynix. According to Chosun Biz, yields for Samsung's latest 10nm-class 1c DRAM have surpassed the industry's "mature yield" threshold of around 80%, indicating meaningful progress at the wafer level.

Genomics BioSci & Tech bets on AI to unlock gene-based longevity

Rodney Chan — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 07:36:57 GMT

Genomics BioSci & Tech, Taiwan's largest commercial genomic sequencing company, is leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to decode the secrets of aging and disease. Company founder and chairman Joseph Chow emphasized that each genome is a unique code containing the mysteries of life and death, with breakthroughs in identifying key genes potentially enabling "immortality." AI integration promises transformative progress in this field.

TSMC lifts full-year outlook above 30% as AI demand powers another record quarter

DIGITIMES — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 07:22:05 GMT

Fresh off a quarter in which it beat its own margin forecasts by a wide margin, TSMC issued second-quarter guidance that signals the AI-driven chip boom is accelerating rather than plateauing. The world's largest contract chipmaker projected a second quarter 2026 revenue of US$39-40.2 billion, which at the midpoint would represent roughly 9% sequential growth from the US$35.90 billion it just reported — and more than 50% above where it stood a year ago.

Kbro enters 10G era with NT$10 billion investment, advocates heterogeneous network backup to replace price wars

Willis Ke — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 06:58:26 GMT

Taiwan's Kbro Broadband on April 15 unveiled its next-generation 10G broadband service, backed by a planned NT$10 billion (approx. US$316.45 million) investment to upgrade network infrastructure nationwide, marking a decisive step into the 10G era and a strategic push to reposition cable networks at the core of Taiwan's digital resilience.

TSMC 1Q26 earnings: AI demand sends profit up 58%, gross margin to all-time high

DIGITIMES — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 06:46:47 GMT

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) reported a first-quarter 2026 revenue of US$35.90 billion, a 40.6% jump from a year earlier, as insatiable demand for artificial intelligence (AI) processors pushed the world's largest contract chipmaker to its highest-ever gross margin.

Rising component costs could shrink smartphone shipments by over 10% in 2026

Jingyue Hsiao — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 04:43:36 GMT

Rising upstream component costs and higher new-phone prices are expected to slow global smartphone shipments in 2026, fueling stronger demand for used devices internationally and prompting companies to bolster secondhand operations; at the same time, uncertainty from the US‑Iran conflict threatens shipping routes and could disrupt supply flows through Dubai.

China's homegrown GPU startups gain ground in global AI chip race

DIGITIMES — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 04:30:46 GMT

China's domestic GPU industry is entering a new phase of rapid commercialization, as leading startups post strong revenue growth while intensifying investment in research, patents, and ecosystem development.

Tesla AI5 tape-out signals dual sourcing with Samsung, TSMC

DIGITIMES — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 04:17:53 GMT

Tesla has finalized the design of its next-generation AI5 chip, marking a milestone in its in-house semiconductor development. CEO Elon Musk confirmed the tape-out in a post on X, saying the design has been sent to foundry partners for fabrication. Musk also said Tesla is developing follow-on processors, including AI6 and Dojo3.

Cadence, Nvidia deepen AI partnership to reshape chip design and robotics

DIGITIMES — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 04:11:24 GMT

Cadence Design Systems and Nvidia have expanded their partnership to accelerate the use of artificial intelligence (AI) across semiconductor design, robotics, and large-scale AI infrastructure, the companies said at CadenceLIVE Silicon Valley 2026. The collaboration aims to combine Cadence's electronic design automation (EDA) software with Nvidia's accelerated computing and AI platforms to improve engineering productivity and reduce development cycles.

Samsung System LSI talent exits raise risks for Exynos and image sensors

DIGITIMES — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 04:02:13 GMT

A wave of departures among core engineers at Samsung Electronics' System LSI division is raising concerns over a potential leadership gap at its non-memory chip unit, particularly in areas tied to Exynos processors and ISOCELL image sensors.

Mobile manufacturers adapt to soaring key component prices with strategic measures

Jingyue Hsiao — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 03:57:51 GMT

Memory and component cost surges may curb global phone sales growth in 2026, prompting firms worldwide to adjust prices, marketing, and retail approaches to protect margins. Brands and channel operators are repositioning products, expanding premium offerings, and boosting AI-focused retail education to counter tighter supply, higher costs, and shifting consumer demand.

Memory suppliers post record 1Q26 revenue as AI demand defies seasonal slowdown

Sherri Wang — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 03:57:15 GMT

The global memory industry delivered its strongest first-quarter performance on record in 2026, defying the traditional seasonal slowdown as strong AI demand drove supply shortages and accelerated an upcycle. Revenue across the supply chain rose sharply year over year, with many upstream and downstream players reporting growth that doubled or more.

US–Iran tensions add another reason to rethink plastic-heavy, disposable supply chains

Jingyue Hsiao — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 03:55:34 GMT

The ongoing US–Iran conflict is raising global costs for raw materials and energy, leading to higher prices and shortages across sectors such as plastic packaging and consumer goods, while simultaneously accelerating demand for green consumption, durable products, and secondhand markets that may significantly reshape procurement, retail, and sustainability strategies worldwide.

Taiwan's investment in China collapsed from 84% to 4% — and it's rewiring global manufacturing

Jingyue Hsiao — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 03:53:44 GMT

Taiwan's retreat from China's investment is reshaping global supply chains, prompting companies and governments to reassess industrial ties, trade flows, and economic security. The shift affects global manufacturing networks, US-Taiwan cooperation, and regional supply stability as firms relocate factories to Southeast Asia, Mexico, and back to Taiwan, altering risk and opportunity landscapes.

Taiwan says core trade objectives unchanged amid US Section 301 probe

Jingyue Hsiao — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 03:52:03 GMT

Taiwan's affirmation that its core trade objectives remain unchanged despite a US Section 301 probe has global implications: shifts in tariffs and disputes could affect supply chains, technology markets, and investment flows, especially in the AI and semiconductor sectors, where Taiwan plays a pivotal role in supplying the US and other markets.

A Taiwan cloud reseller's AI bet is paying off — record margins and a push into Japan

Jingyue Hsiao — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 03:51:27 GMT

GrandTech Cloud Services reported record revenue and profit in the first quarter of 2026, driven by strong demand for AI cloud services and improved operational efficiency. Management expressed confidence in sustained growth for the second quarter of 2026 and the full year, citing AI momentum, Buy Revenue investments, and acquisition plans.

Amazon cuts AI data center build time from 15 weeks to 3

Levi Li — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 03:48:46 GMT

Amazon is pushing to compress AI data center build times through an internal initiative known as Project Houdini, shifting construction from labor-intensive on-site assembly to factory-based modular production.

Renesas reports accelerated MRDIMM adoption in China

Emily Kuo — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 03:47:39 GMT

As AI servers rapidly increase demand for high bandwidth and large-capacity memory, Renesas Electronics noted that, driven by strong demand in China and expanding capacity, its Memory Interface Division (MID) business in China is expected to achieve 100% growth in 2026.

TSMC says Applied Materials and JSR form top-tier chipmaking team

Charlene Chen — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 03:46:56 GMT

Japanese materials giant JSR has established an advanced planarization process solution joint research center in Taiwan, with JSR representative director and CEO Hank Hori personally attending the launch. Also present were Derek Witty, general manager of Applied Materials; Erix Yu, President of Applied Materials Taiwan; and Simon Jang, vice president of Advanced Tool and Module Development of Technology Development under the R&D at TSMC.

US tightens ban on Chinese components, reshaping robotics supply chains

Elaine Chen — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 03:46:20 GMT

Washington's push to purge Chinese links from critical supply chains is hardening, and the effects are rippling through the global robotics industry. American start-ups, in particular, are accelerating efforts to secure alternative sources for key components, turning increasingly to suppliers in Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea as primary beneficiaries.

ASE Holdings to acquire Innolux Fab 5 for US$460 million

Levi Li — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 03:44:58 GMT

ASE Holdings has secured Innolux's Fab 5, with the company announcing on April 15 that its semiconductor unit's board had approved the NT$14.85 billion (US$460 million) acquisition.

Advanced Power Electronics confirms price hikes amid memory shortage hitting PC revenue

Jingyue Hsiao — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 03:44:12 GMT

Advanced Power Electronics Corp.'s (APEC's) report signaling rising component costs and constrained foundry capacity has implications for global tech supply chains, potentially affecting device prices and production timelines. The company plans to seek price adjustments with customers while navigating memory shortages that have hit its computing shipments in the first quarter of 2026.

Analysis: Nvidia links RISC-V to NVLink with SiFive investment

Levi Li — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 03:43:22 GMT

Agentic AI is pulling CPUs back to the center of the AI stack, turning them into a renewed battleground for chipmakers. After Arm moved into AGI-focused CPU design, Nvidia has followed with a stake in SiFive, a RISC-V IP provider, signaling a broader shift in how control of AI infrastructure is being contested.

Mythos AI model triggers global financial and regulatory scrutiny amid cybersecurity concerns

DIGITIMES — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 03:34:10 GMT

Financial and monetary authorities in the US and other major economies are increasingly focused on Anthropic PBC's new artificial intelligence model, Mythos, amid concerns that its advanced cybersecurity capabilities could reshape both offensive and defensive cyber risk at a systemic level.

Gulf states turn to alternative air defenses as US delivery delays persist

DIGITIMES — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 03:17:44 GMT

Middle Eastern Gulf states are seeking alternative air defense systems as delays in US weapons deliveries and rising regional tensions strain existing stockpiles, according to The Wall Street Journal. Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are expanding procurement beyond traditional US suppliers, turning to South Korea, Ukraine, and the UK to secure faster access to missile defense capabilities.

Samsung targets May HBM4E samples for Nvidia after validation

DIGITIMES — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 03:15:47 GMT

Samsung Electronics is aiming to produce its first samples of next-generation high-bandwidth memory (HBM4E) as early as May, with plans to deliver the chips to Nvidia after internal validation, according to Chosun Biz.

Tata steps up iPhone manufacturing investments with fresh capital infusion

DIGITIMES — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 03:06:35 GMT

India's Tata Group has injected fresh capital into its electronics manufacturing arm, Tata Electronics, as it accelerates efforts to scale up iPhone production and strengthen its role in Apple's global supply chain.

Taiwan's auto industry faces costly crossroads in age of AI

Elaine Chen — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 03:00:49 GMT

Stepping into the halls of the 360° Mobility Mega Shows, one is struck not by the usual crush of visitors but by the relative calm. The thinner crowds this year underscore a deeper unease: as the global supply chain enters a more fraught phase of realignment, Taiwan's automotive industry finds itself at an awkward crossroads. On one side lie rising raw material costs and mounting tariff pressures shaped by geopolitics; on the other, the costly yet unavoidable push toward AI-driven automation. Even as the global auto market shows signs of post-pandemic recovery, for many Taiwanese suppliers the road ahead feels more punishing than expected.

Taiwan lens makers pivot to CPO, silicon photonics beyond smartphones

Levi Li — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 02:47:13 GMT

Taiwan's optical lens makers opened 2026 with a sharp rebound, driven by a recovery in the global smartphone market and rising demand for high-end camera modules. At the same time, a new narrative is taking hold: silicon photonics (SiPh) and co-packaged optics (CPO) are pulling traditional lens suppliers into the core of AI infrastructure.

TSMC capex hits US$56 billion, reshaping global semiconductor supply chain

Charlene Chen — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 02:29:28 GMT

TSMC's capital expenditure has surged in recent years, with 2026 spending forecasted to reach a record US$52-56 billion and market expectations even suggesting an upward revision to US$70 billion. This staggering investment is creating a powerful magnetic effect across the semiconductor ecosystem.

China reportedly considers export curbs on advanced solar manufacturing equipment to the US

DIGITIMES — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 02:22:36 GMT

Chinese officials have held early-stage discussions on potential restrictions on exports of advanced solar panel manufacturing equipment and technology to the US, Reuters reported, citing five people familiar with the matter. The reported move remains under consideration and has not been finalized, underscoring that it is still at a preliminary and potentially fluid policy stage.

YMTC to ramp Wuhan fab in 2026, new capacity unlikely before 2028, oversupply risks seen limited

Sherri Wang — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 02:02:53 GMT

China-based Yangtze Memory Technologies Corp (YMTC) is advancing an aggressive expansion plan that could become the world's third-largest NAND maker by 2026. The company is set to begin volume production at its third fabrication plant in Wuhan in the second half of 2026.

Falling margins and memory crisis causing spec downgrades on TV panels

Emily Kuo — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 01:49:10 GMT

Since the fourth quarter of 2025, memory prices have risen rapidly, driving up overall storage costs and placing significant pressure on TV manufacturers. Sharp changes in cost structures and concerns over weakening end-market demand have also intensified among brands. As a result, cost control has become a top priority in product strategy, further accelerating a trend toward downgraded panel specifications.

ASML raises 2026 revenue guidance as AI-driven chip demand overwhelms supply — and its customers know it

DIGITIMES — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 01:47:09 GMT

The lithography giant's first quarter earnings call reveals more than a beat-and-raise quarter: it exposes a structural shift in how chipmakers relate to their sole EUV supplier

JSR restarts Taiwan production as TSMC dominates advanced nodes

Eifeh Strom — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 23:43:04 GMT

Japanese photoresist leader JSR officially announced on April 15 the establishment of an advanced planarization process solutions research center in Hukou, Hsinchu, Taiwan.

Rockchip reports record results, scales AIoT chips across industries

DIGITIMES — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 23:40:35 GMT

China-based chip designer Fuzhou Rockchip Electronics posted record full-year 2025 results, with AIoT processors driving growth across automotive, robotics, and industrial markets.

SkyeChip IPO signals Malaysia's push into high-value chip design

DIGITIMES — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 23:40:15 GMT

Malaysia-based semiconductor design firm SkyeChip has appointed Maybank Investment Bank and CIMB Investment Bank as underwriters for its planned Main Market listing, according to a report by The Edge Malaysia.

Orange Electronic expands in Europe as auto aftermarket demand holds up

Elaine Chen — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 23:39:54 GMT

Orange Electronic, a Taiwanese maker of tire pressure monitoring systems, is expanding its presence in Europe's automotive aftermarket, defying a broader slowdown in global vehicle sales and weak consumer demand weighed down by inflation and geopolitical uncertainty.

Spain aims to boost chip design, photonics, and quantum tech influence

Charlene Chen — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 23:39:29 GMT

The Spanish ICT Association (AMETIC) has been actively promoting Spain's standing in the domestic technology industry. Albert Anglarill, director of AMETIC's Catalonia office, said the organization primarily advocates for its member companies, facilitates information exchange, and expands their international visibility. Looking ahead, Spain is focusing on developing key sectors where it already has a solid foundation: chip design, photonics, and quantum computing.

Humanoid robot half-marathon draws Alibaba, Honor in embodied AI test

Levi Li — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 23:39:06 GMT

Embodied AI is moving into real-world testing, and China's tech giants are stepping in. The Beijing Yizhuang humanoid robot half-marathon on April 19 is set to serve as a high-profile stress test for performance, endurance, and autonomy in next-generation robotics.

Tong Hsing Electronic expects revenue acceleration as fiber optics drives expansion

Elaine Chen — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 09:45:12 GMT

Tong Hsing Electronic, a Taiwanese semiconductor packaging and substrate manufacturer specializing in CMOS image sensors, said on Monday that optical communication modules have become its fastest-growing business, helping drive demand across RF components, ceramic substrates, and automotive and mobile imaging products, positioning the company for stronger-than-expected revenue growth in 2026.