DIGITIMES: News and Insight of the Global Supply Chain

Taiwan's server makers commit billions to Texas as new governor vows data center moratorium

DIGITIMES — Thu, 5 Nov 2026 16:49:00 GMT

Taiwanese server makers have committed billions of dollars to manufacturing facilities in Texas over the past two years. Now, the state's incoming governor has pledged to suspend new data center approvals, raising uncertainty over AI infrastructure investment in one of America's largest development markets.

TI targets next semiconductor supercycle as humanoid robots surge

Charlene Chen — Thu, 5 Nov 2026 16:36:00 GMT

Humanoid robots require at least US$2,000 worth of semiconductors per unit—twice the content of an EV—and could drive the next semiconductor supercycle, Texas Instruments (TI) said. The company is expanding capacity for the next wave of demand rather than the current boom, according to William Feng, TI's Taiwan and South Asia sales and applications general manager.

US midterm elections shake-up leaves Samsung, SK Hynix facing AI data center risks, CHIPS Act opportunities

Levi Li — Thu, 5 Nov 2026 16:34:00 GMT

The Democrats' sweeping victory in the November 2026 US midterm elections, securing control of both chambers of Congress, has prompted South Korean industries to reassess the implications for investment, trade, and technology policy. With South Korea and Taiwan both heavily dependent on semiconductors, AI, and electronics, Washington's policy direction carries significant consequences for their technology sectors.

Micron has paused a Taiwan cleanroom since October amid labor dispute, but keeps EUV plans

Joseph Chen — Thu, 5 Nov 2026 12:35:55 GMT

Micron has paused construction of a new cleanroom at its Fab 11E site in Taoyuan, Taiwan, since mid-October 2026, according to semiconductor supply chain sources. The company recently introduced a new quarterly bonus program tied to profits, but it still hasn't settled its dispute with the local union in Taoyuan, and no restart date has been set.

Largan consolidates camera actuator unit as optical business expands into CPO

DIGITIMES — Thu, 5 Nov 2026 10:29:45 GMT

Largan Technology reported October revenue of NT$5.846 billion (US$178.1 million) on November 5, down 7.0% year-over-year, while moving to consolidate its camera actuator subsidiary and advance co-packaged optics (CPO) products. Revenue for the first 10 months of 2026 reached NT$50.705 billion, an increase of approximately 1% from the same period a year earlier, as the smartphone camera lens market entered its seasonal slowdown.

Foxconn October revenue tops NT$1.3T on consumer and AI demand

DIGITIMES — Thu, 5 Nov 2026 10:26:59 GMT

Foxconn reported October 2026 revenue of NT$1.3053 trillion (US$39.8 billion), up 12.66% from September and 45.73% from a year earlier, as consumer smart products, computer terminals, components and other products posted strong growth. The result marked another month in which revenue exceeded NT$1 trillion. According to DIGITIMES, the performance was supported by stronger product pull-in activity and higher shipment prices.

Taiwan tech firms' Texas factory commitments total US$2.9 billion

DIGITIMES — Thu, 5 Nov 2026 09:39:36 GMT

Eight Taiwanese electronics manufacturers have disclosed approximately US$2.9 billion in factory-related asset transactions and investment plans in Texas since January 2024, accounting for nearly half of their US factory-site commitments.

Acer reshuffles executives as Chan-ping Bo takes product, procurement role

Lily Hess — Thu, 5 Nov 2026 09:39:12 GMT

Acer is set to approve a senior executive reshuffle at its board meeting on Thursday afternoon, with Acer Being Communication general manager Chan-ping Bo reportedly taking over product and procurement responsibilities after chief operating officer Jerry Kao resigned. Bo is familiar with PC procurement and development operations and is considered a suitable successor, according to sources in the PC supply chain.

HP names former GSK chief Emma Walmsley as CEO

DIGITIMES — Thu, 5 Nov 2026 09:14:45 GMT

Hewlett Packard (HP) has appointed Emma Walmsley, the former head of drugmaker GSK, as its next CEO, ending a search that began after the company named an interim leader earlier this year.

The 346-GW question: Will anti-data-center votes slow America's AI buildout?

DIGITIMES — Thu, 5 Nov 2026 08:35:00 GMT

US voters favored restrictions on data center development in 40 of 41 local ballot measures across 10 states on November 3, signaling growing opposition to AI infrastructure expansion. Meanwhile, the election of a governor in Texas who has pledged to halt new data center approvals raises broader questions about the country's 345.9 GW pipeline of planned and under-construction projects.

Advantech sees high-double-digit growth through 2027, driven by AI and semiconductor equipment

Yunnie Cheng — Thu, 5 Nov 2026 08:00:07 GMT

Industrial PC leader Advantech reported record quarterly revenue and net profit for the third quarter of 2026, propelled by strong demand across semiconductor equipment, factory automation, and medical devices, alongside surging shipments of high-end edge AI systems. However, component price increases squeezed its gross margin down to 36.7%. Looking ahead, the company expects to maintain high-double-digit growth in both revenue and profit through 2027.

Advantech sees edge AI growth accelerating beyond semiconductor equipment into robotics

Levi Li — Thu, 5 Nov 2026 07:35:00 GMT

Advantech expects strong growth in 2027, identifying semiconductor equipment, edge AI and robotics as its principal growth engines. The Taiwanese industrial computing company reported robust orders across North America, China, Europe and Taiwan, although demand in parts of Southeast Asia and other emerging markets remains subdued. It is also monitoring potential US policy changes following the midterm elections.

Finance firms reportedly begin seeking investors for SpaceX's US$40B chip financing

DIGITIMES — Thu, 5 Nov 2026 07:29:58 GMT

Goldman Sachs and Apollo Global Management have reportedly begun approaching potential investors about purchasing parts of a US$40 billion deal to finance SpaceX's leasing of Nvidia chips. The firms are seeking to complete the transaction quickly in the wake of Democratic victories in this week's midterm elections, which some worry could slow the growth of AI development.

NAND prices face pressure as end demand freezes in 4Q26

Charlene Chen — Thu, 5 Nov 2026 07:19:39 GMT

Memory prices have surged for several consecutive quarters, leaving consumer applications grappling with cooling buying interest and weak demand. Kioxia has taken a more conservative view of the next quarter, while suppliers say demand remains but NAND prices can no longer rise, marking a turning point after roughly 18 months of gains driven by AI demand.

Toyota, Waymo target Robotaxi market with dual-track strategy

AI bot — Thu, 5 Nov 2026 07:05:52 GMT

Toyota Motor Corporation is partnering with autonomous taxi leader Waymo to advance its dual-track strategy in self-driving vehicles, as the auto industry faces the rapid rise of autonomous driving and software-defined vehicles (SDVs).

AI demand lifts Kyocera revenue as company raises forecast again

DIGITIMES — Thu, 5 Nov 2026 06:55:11 GMT

Japanese electronic components giant Kyocera reported record revenue of JPY1.08 trillion (approximately US$6.83 billion) for the first half of fiscal 2026 (April to September 2026), up 8.8% from the same period a year earlier. Operating profit and net income also grew by 32% to 56%. The results prompted Kyocera to raise its fiscal 2026 outlook for the second time, increasing its full-year revenue forecast to JPY2.12 trillion, 9% above its initial projection.

Beijing restricts equity listings amid market slump as YMTC pauses its stock market debut

DIGITIMES — Thu, 5 Nov 2026 06:29:48 GMT

Beijing has instructed top securities firms and investment banks to pause initial public offerings and restrict large-scale share sales by major shareholders. Reporting by The Wall Street Journal reveals that the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) issued "window guidance" to slow equity supply and stem a prolonged market sell-off.

Coherent pitches itself as the neutral optics supplier after Marvell-Lumentum deal

DIGITIMES — Thu, 5 Nov 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Coherent is positioning itself as the optics supplier with no stake in the chip wars, two days after Marvell Technology agreed to acquire one of its closest rivals.

Qisda revenue rises 13% in October as AI businesses accelerate

DIGITIMES — Thu, 5 Nov 2026 05:42:00 GMT

Qisda posted October consolidated revenue of NT$19.39 billion (US$590.8 million), up 13.47% year-over-year but down 1.85% from September, as its AI infrastructure, AI solutions, and smart manufacturing, and AI healthcare businesses all recorded double-digit growth from a year earlier.

Chipmakers rush to secure equipment for 2029 as lead times top two years

DIGITIMES — Thu, 5 Nov 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Chipmakers are moving to secure production equipment for delivery as far ahead as 2029, as AI-driven fab expansion pushes some equipment lead times beyond two years and forces manufacturers to negotiate supply contracts years earlier than usual, South Korea's ETNews reported, citing industry sources.

EU launches EUR525 million push to close chip design gap

DIGITIMES — Thu, 5 Nov 2026 04:45:00 GMT

The European Union has launched a EUR525 million (approx. US$590 million) initiative to strengthen its semiconductor design industry, seeking to narrow the gap with the US and China while generating demand for chip manufacturing facilities in Europe.

CHT ICT orders surge 84% as 3Q26 results beat guidance

DIGITIMES — Thu, 5 Nov 2026 04:35:43 GMT

Chunghwa Telecom (CHT) reported consolidated revenue of NT$675.9 billion (US$2.06 billion) for the third quarter of 2026, up 16.7% year over year, with revenue, operating profit, net income attributable to shareholders, and earnings per share all exceeding the high end of its financial forecast.

Cirrus Logic rides iPhone content wave, but backend squeeze, PC slump cloud the path ahead

DIGITIMES — Thu, 5 Nov 2026 04:23:11 GMT

Cirrus Logic reported revenue of US$559.5 million for its fiscal second quarter ended September 26, up 22% sequentially and roughly flat year-on-year. Non-GAAP earnings per share came in at US$2.70, with gross margin reaching 53.8% — a recent high point that the company signaled will not hold.

China's Big Fund III pivots to 12-inch chip fabs, equipment acquisitions to close semiconductor supply chain gaps

DIGITIMES — Thu, 5 Nov 2026 04:13:23 GMT

China's National Integrated Circuit Industry Investment Fund Phase III (Big Fund III) is shifting its focus from targeted semiconductor investments to large-scale manufacturing and industry consolidation, with a CNY900 million (approx. US$134 million) capital injection into Silan Microelectronics' 12-inch analog chip project highlighting its latest priorities.

Price hikes, market saturation curb global telecom, consumer electronics export growth

Yunnie Cheng — Thu, 5 Nov 2026 03:56:32 GMT

Rising global oil prices have driven up food costs, squeezing consumer discretionary budgets for products with higher price elasticity, such as smartphones and consumer electronics. A specialized report from Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) reveals that in 2025, global ICT goods and services exports reached US$3.6 trillion and US$1.4 trillion, respectively. Saturated market demand capped average annual export growth for telecommunications equipment and consumer electronics at just 2.5% and 0.9%, respectively.

Qualcomm to debut 6G terminal prototype at China expo, bringing AI memory to smart glasses

Levi Li — Thu, 5 Nov 2026 03:55:25 GMT

US chipmaker Qualcomm will present its latest developments in 6G and AI agent-powered devices at the ninth China International Import Expo (CIIE), held from November 5 to 10 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai. The exhibition will mark the first public display of what Qualcomm describes as the world's first 6G terminal prototype conforming to the latest 3GPP definition.

SDC auto OLED shortage leads Li Auto to ship new Mega with LCDs

DIGITIMES — Thu, 5 Nov 2026 03:50:00 GMT

Samsung Display (SDC) is facing a shortage of automotive OLED panels supplied to Chinese EV maker Li Auto, prompting Li Auto to temporarily ship some new Mega vehicles with LCD panels. Strong vehicle sales have driven demand for high-specification displays beyond expectations, potentially giving SDC's automotive OLED business fresh momentum.

Apple opens AI beta in China with Qwen-integrated Siri

DIGITIMES — Thu, 5 Nov 2026 03:49:00 GMT

Apple has opened testing of its China-specific Apple Intelligence service with the iOS 27.3 developer beta released on November 4, integrating Alibaba's Qwen model into Siri. The full version is expected in December, as Apple works to close the gap in its generative AI offerings in China.

Flexium eyes 2027 breakthrough as PTFE enters mass production in 2028

Lily Hess — Thu, 5 Nov 2026 03:47:12 GMT

Flexium Interconnect chairman Walter Cheng said the company has emerged from the toughest operating downturn of the past two years and expects AI orders for smart glasses and infrastructure to accelerate in 2027, which is also expected to lower consumer electronics revenue to below 50%. The flexible printed circuit (FPC) maker expects its polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) products to enter mass production in 2028 and is targeting a return to profitability in the first quarter of 2027.

Ukraine's top unmanned fleet developer looks to Taiwan for critical components

Yunnie Cheng — Thu, 5 Nov 2026 03:45:57 GMT

Ukrainian defense tech company UFORCE, creator of the Magura unmanned surface vessel credited with disabling or sinking 19 Russian warships in the Black Sea and emerging as a primary threat to Russian naval operations, is actively forging ties with Taiwanese suppliers. Ukraine's real-world combat validation is positioned to act as a launchpad for Taiwanese manufacturers entering the global defense sector.

Analysis: Qualcomm's AI server CPU ambitions gain urgency as smartphone slump threatens its core business

DIGITIMES — Thu, 5 Nov 2026 03:39:30 GMT

Qualcomm's weakening smartphone business is accelerating its transformation into an AI infrastructure supplier, with custom accelerators, server CPUs, and optical connectivity emerging as growth priorities. Following a 26% annual decline in handset chip revenue in fiscal 4Q26, the US chipmaker is targeting US$5 billion in data center revenue in fiscal 2027 and US$15 billion by fiscal 2029. The question is whether these businesses can scale quickly enough to offset pressures in its traditional market.

Commentary: AOI locks in China's InP substrates for AI optics, but export controls threaten supply

Levi Li — Thu, 5 Nov 2026 03:35:25 GMT

AI data centers are accelerating demand for high-speed optical communications, extending competition in the optical transceiver market beyond chips and module manufacturing to critical upstream materials. Indium phosphide (InP), a key substrate for high-speed optical lasers and optoelectronic devices, is increasingly sought after as 800G and 1.6T transceivers gain traction. With capacity expansion requiring time and product qualification presenting technical hurdles, securing InP wafer supplies has become a strategic priority for optical communications companies.

South Korea's Moreh claims AMD MI355X delivers over twice Nvidia B200's inference throughput

DIGITIMES — Thu, 5 Nov 2026 03:28:21 GMT

South Korean AI software developer Moreh says AMD Instinct MI355X GPUs running its inference software delivered more than twice the throughput of Nvidia B200 GPUs in company tests, as South Korea moves ahead with plans to build AI infrastructure combining AMD processors with locally developed chips.

Naver Cloud ramps up use of AMD EPYC, citing high Intel CPU costs

Sherri Wang — Thu, 5 Nov 2026 03:28:00 GMT

South Korean cloud services provider Naver Cloud now runs AMD EPYC processors in about 35,000 servers and plans to deploy 144-core fifth-generation EPYC chips in its public cloud services in the second half of 2026. The company turned to AMD after high prices for Intel's higher-core-count processors slowed its server expansion.

Taiwan accelerates unmanned boat fleet as experts urge allied cooperation

DIGITIMES — Thu, 5 Nov 2026 03:27:48 GMT

The Research Institute for Democracy, Society and Emerging Technology (DSET) released a report on November 4 at the 2026 Taiwan Marine Tech & Unmanned Robotics Expo (MATURE Taiwan), examining Taiwan's unmanned boat industry and international cooperation. Experts from Ukraine and the US urged Taiwan and its allies to connect technology networks and move faster.