DIGITIMES Asia: News and Insight of the Global Supply Chain

Asus exceeds expectations with 2x server revenue and growing notebook shipments

Emily Kuo — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 01:57:06 GMT

Asus has recently unveiled two major surprises in its business outlook. According to supply chain sources, the company's newly set internal targets for 2026 notebook shipments and AI server revenue have both exceeded market expectations.

Passive component demand splits in 2026; AI and autos hold firm

Levi Li — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 01:41:45 GMT

The passive components sector is emerging from its inventory slump, with Yageo and Walsin Technology flagging a pickup in both commodity and high-end components, driven by AI servers and automotive electronics.

China's auto market stumbles as EV momentum slows

Elaine Chen — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 01:32:10 GMT

China's auto market entered the year with a sharp jolt. In the first quarter, the long-dominant new energy vehicle (NEV) segment saw its market share slip to 45.1%, down from 47.7% in 2025, while sales of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) also contracted. The shift suggests that as Beijing scales back subsidies and tightens oversight to curb dumping, the market is reverting to more disciplined commercial dynamics.

AUO drives energy business corporatization to boost integration efficiency

Charlene Chen — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 23:49:44 GMT

AU Optronics (AUO) has approved a restructuring plan for its energy business organization and investment framework, aiming to consolidate internal and external energy resources within the group. By corporatizing the energy business into a more specialized and focused platform, AUO seeks to enhance operational efficiency and market competitiveness.

Nanya Technology posts NT$26 billion profit in 1Q26 as DRAM prices surge over 70%

Eifeh Strom — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 23:49:19 GMT

Nanya Technology reported strong financial results for the first quarter of 2026, driven by a significant rise in DRAM prices and artificial intelligence (AI)-fueled demand across key market segments.

Samsung Foundry advances space semiconductor chip and technology development

Lily Hess — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 23:48:46 GMT

As global companies unveil plans for space AI data centers, South Korean firms are prioritizing space-related technology as a new growth driver. Samsung Electronics' foundry division is reportedly actively developing space semiconductors and related foundry technologies.

King Yuan Electronics posts record 1Q26 revenue, raises capex to NT$50 billion

Eifeh Strom — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 23:48:17 GMT

Benefiting from continued demand driven by artificial intelligence (AI), high-performance computing (HPC), and application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), semiconductor testing company King Yuan Electronics (KYEC) reported a strong first quarter of 2026 despite the typical seasonal slowdown.

Phison eyes US$1.4B fundraising to tackle severe NAND shortage in 4Q26

Lily Hess — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 23:47:51 GMT

Phison Electronics founder and CEO Pua Khein-Seng warned that the current NAND Flash shortage will worsen significantly in the second half of 2026, with an acute supply crunch expected in the fourth quarter of 2026, where "even money can't buy stock." To secure inventory amid this tight market, Phison has broken its no-debt tradition by launching a syndicated loan in March and plans to issue US$800 million in Euro-convertible bonds (ECB), targeting over NT$43 billion (US$1.4 billion) in total fundraising for 2026.

Samsung boosts Galaxy S26 production by 600,000 units in April

Lily Hess — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 23:47:32 GMT

Samsung Electronics has raised its production plans for the Galaxy S26 series in April 2026 from 2.4 million to 3 million units, driven mainly by strong demand for its top-tier Galaxy S26 Ultra model, which accounts for 60-70% of sales and serves as a key growth driver.

Yaskawa Electric sees AI robot, chip demand boost profits

DIGITIMES — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 23:47:09 GMT

Japan's Yaskawa Electric is pointing to a turning point in its earnings trajectory, with AI-driven robotics and semiconductor equipment demand converging to lift orders, margins, and outlook.

Taiwan's Rapidtek signs satellite pact with India's HEX20

Elaine Chen — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 23:46:52 GMT

Rapidtek Technologies said it had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Indian satellite firm HEX20 during Paris Space Week, marking the start of a new phase of Taiwan-India collaboration in satellite development.

Google and Intel expand CPU partnership, boosting ASIC and startup opportunities

Charlene Chen — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 23:46:28 GMT

Google recently announced an expanded collaboration with Intel to increase the deployment of Xeon processors in its cloud AI data centers. This move reflects the rapidly growing demand for CPUs in AI infrastructure, prompting Google to secure supply chains early to avoid future chip shortages that could hinder AI investments.

Alibaba boosts fusion startup NovaFusionX in bid to secure AI energy edge

Charlene Chen — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 23:46:03 GMT

As generative AI and large-scale computing infrastructure continue to expand, the industry is coming to recognize "power as the limit of compute." With AI data centers demanding a high-intensity, stable power supply, Chinese tech giants are accelerating their expansion into the energy sector.

DDR5 dethrones HBM as memory's top profit engine

Charlene Chen — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 23:45:26 GMT

The AI boom has reshuffled memory industry priorities. DDR5 modules have overtaken high-bandwidth memory (HBM) as the primary profit source for manufacturers — a reversal few anticipated. Once hailed as the core product of the AI era, HBM is now weighed down by yield difficulties and capacity constraints. DDR5, meanwhile, has quietly become the margin champion.

Analysis: Southeast Asia's language barrier is reshaping AI

Sherri Wang — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 23:44:59 GMT

As the global generative AI boom shifts from scale to localization, Southeast Asia is emerging as a critical testing ground for the next phase of development. The region's linguistic diversity and complex cultural landscape are pushing developers to rethink model design, fueling the rise of localized large language models and smaller, more efficient systems tailored to specific use cases.

Global chip equipment sales reach record US$135 billion as AI drives investment surge

DIGITIMES — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 09:22:17 GMT

Worldwide semiconductor manufacturing equipment sales rose 15% to a record US$135.1 billion in 2025 from US$117.1 billion a year earlier, driven by investment in advanced logic, memory, and AI-related capacity expansion, SEMI, the global semiconductor industry association, said.

Apple reportedly tests four smart glasses designs ahead of 2027 launch

DIGITIMES — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 09:14:43 GMT

Apple is accelerating development of next-generation wearable hardware, with plans to launch its first smart glasses as early as 2027, Bloomberg reported. The initial product will not include a display, reflecting a focus on hands-free operation and ecosystem integration as the company moves into a market led by Meta Platforms and EssilorLuxottica.

Pegatron reports modest recovery as shipments pick up

Elaine Chen — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 08:59:16 GMT

Pegatron on April 10 reported March revenue of NT$83.97 billion (US$2.6 billion), rebounding more than 20% from February's low of NT$67.98 billion, as production normalized after a shorter working month.

Qualcomm moves into custom DRAM with CXMT for smartphones

DIGITIMES — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 08:45:00 GMT

Qualcomm is reportedly exploring a partnership with China's Changxin Memory Technologies (CXMT) to develop custom DRAM tailored for smartphones, a move that reflects mounting pressure across the mobile supply chain as memory shortages and rising costs reshape industry dynamics.

Energy shock from Middle East unrest fuels petrochemical rally in Taiwan

Elaine Chen — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 07:23:11 GMT

Rising geopolitical tensions between the US and Iran in late February 2026 drove a sharp rally in global crude oil and petrochemical feedstock prices, including ethylene and propylene, lifting prices across the petrochemical chain. Against expectations of potential supply disruptions, customers moved quickly to rebuild inventories, boosting first-quarter revenues for Taiwan's major petrochemical producers, according to earnings releases on April 10.

Anti-AI backlash turns physical: OpenAI CEO targeted in back-to-back attacks

DIGITIMES — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 07:13:10 GMT

The San Francisco home of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman appears to have been targeted twice in three days. In both cases, no one was injured. Police arrested suspects in both incidents at the scene, though their motives remain unclear.

Japan funds AI chip ecosystem around Rapidus

DIGITIMES — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 07:10:18 GMT

Japan is accelerating efforts to rebuild a domestic advanced semiconductor ecosystem, with Rapidus at the center of a state-backed push spanning 2nm logic, advanced packaging, and AI chip demand creation.

RFID maker Arizon expands market share despite 20% global market decline in 2025

Kevin Wang — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 06:57:26 GMT

Arizon RFID Technology saw its performance in 2025 impacted by a 20% contraction in the global RFID market last year, with the company posting full-year revenue of NT$3.953 billion (approx. US$124 million), down 14.3% year-over-year. Meanwhile, gross margin fell by 9.9% year-over-year to 22.3%, net profit after tax plunged 73.4% year-over-year to NT$225 million (approx. US$7 million), and earnings per share stood at NT$3.0. Despite the overall market shrinkage, however, Arizon increased its market share by roughly 2pp.

Taiwan's robot strategy focuses on practical use

Charlene Chen — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 06:45:00 GMT

Taiwan's National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) chair Cheng-Wen Wu recently told the Legislative Yuan that Taiwan's robot development strategy aims to deploy machines for heavy and hazardous tasks. The government plans to invest NT$20 billion (US$629.4 million) in a smart robot industry promotion program, prioritizing sectors such as dangerous work environments, caregiving, food service, and healthcare.

A robotics push signals Taiwan's shift from supplier to system builder

Elaine Chen — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 06:30:00 GMT

Taiwan has formally launched its first national-level robotics hub, signaling an ambitious effort to build a globally competitive industry around intelligent machines. The National Center for AI Robotics, led by the National Institutes of Applied Research, is based in the southern innovation cluster of Shalun and was inaugurated on April 10.

Taiwan launches national AI robotics center to build homegrown start-ups

Elaine Chen — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Taiwan has formally inaugurated its first national-level robotics hub. The National Center for AI Robotics, established under the National Institutes of Applied Research, is a strategic bet on converting academic research into globally competitive companies. The center is expected to anchor the island's push to build a world-class intelligent robotics industry.

China pressure drives Hyundai to reshape supply chain with fewer Tier 1 suppliers

Charlene Chen — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 05:53:59 GMT

The global automotive supply chain is undergoing a significant transformation driven by electrification and autonomous driving trends, shifting from traditional mechanical parts procurement toward in-house development or partnerships with tech giants. South Korea's Hyundai has recently changed its sourcing approach by expanding open tendering and reducing the number of Tier 1 suppliers.

Gudeng targets record 2026 revenue on EUV pod and FOUP demand surge

Willis Ke — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 05:49:14 GMT

Taiwan's Gudeng Precision Industrial is set to sustain double-digit revenue growth in 2026, buoyed by robust demand for EUV reticle pods and FOUP wafer carriers as advanced-node production and AI-driven applications accelerate across global semiconductor markets.

Taiwan's AI revenue boom masks deeply divided industry: 1Q26 data analysis

DIGITIMES — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 04:34:08 GMT

The headline numbers for Taiwan's listed tech companies in the first quarter of 2026 are strong, but a sector-by-sector breakdown of 238 companies reveals a story far more nuanced than the AI-server narrative dominating the financial press. Growth is heavily concentrated, structurally bifurcated, and in some cases, arithmetically misleading.

MediaTek revenue hits record on AI chip demand, TPU orders key

DIGITIMES — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 04:31:41 GMT

Taiwan-based chip designer MediaTek reported record monthly revenue in March 2026, highlighting how new growth drivers are helping cushion a weakening smartphone market.

Taiwan's monthly exports top US$80 billion for first time, fueled by AI demand

Sherri Wang — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 04:19:09 GMT

Taiwan's exports rose to a record high in March, supported by demand for artificial intelligence (AI) and memory-related products, according to the Ministry of Finance.

Taiwan DDI makers see 1Q26 revenue decline; small to mid-size demand remains weak

Charlene Chen — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 04:17:09 GMT

Taiwanese display driver IC (DDI) manufacturers have reported broadly declining revenues for the first quarter of 2026, reflecting ongoing challenges in the small- and mid-size segments. Novatek posted NT$23.145 billion (US$728 million), down 14.7% year over year; Raydium recorded NT$5.437 billion, down 6.7%; Fitipower had NT$4.501 billion, down 3.4%; Ilitek reported NT$3.918 billion, down 14.4%; and FocalTech saw NT$2.474 billion, down 17.3%. Only Sitronix bucked the trend, posting a robust 23% year-over-year increase to NT$5.329 billion.

Global chip sales expect to top US$1 trillion in 2026 on AI demand

Sherri Wang — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 03:26:14 GMT

Taiwan's semiconductor supply chain posted stronger-than-expected results in the first quarter of 2026, as artificial intelligence (AI) demand accelerated the adoption of advanced nodes and advanced packaging, lifting both foundries and equipment suppliers.

China chipmaker Hygon expands CPU-GPU strategy for AI compute

DIGITIMES — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 03:05:46 GMT

China's push for AI self-sufficiency is lifting Hygon Information Technology from a server CPU supplier into a broader AI compute platform player. Its "CPU + DCU (Deep Computing Unit)" strategy is now taking shape, positioning the company to serve both general-purpose and AI workloads in a market racing to localise computing power.

Silicon photonics scaling hits wafer testing bottleneck

Levi Li — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 02:52:22 GMT

AI demand is pushing data transmission to its limits, making 2026 a critical year for silicon photonics (SiPh) and co-packaged optics (CPO) to move into large-scale deployment. The race to commercialize these technologies is accelerating across the semiconductor industry.