DIGITIMES Asia: News and Insight of the Global Supply Chain

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.

Ampak cites DDR price swings disrupting orders, sees industrial control demand support

Jingyue Hsiao — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 06:43:04 GMT

Ampak Technology's focus on Wi-Fi 7, 5G RedCap, SoM modules, AIoT, and Edge AI signals strategic shifts with global implications: customers worldwide may see delayed consumer shipments amid DDR memory price volatility, while industrial control demand offers clearer near-term opportunities, affecting supply chains and product rollouts through 2026 and beyond.

Oracle ramps AI infrastructure spending, supply chain expands to meet surging customer orders

Jingyue Hsiao — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 06:41:46 GMT

Oracle's surge in AI infrastructure spending is prompting global supply chains to expand capacity, with partners ramping factories in Taiwan, Vietnam and the US to serve hyperscale cloud clients. The move signals sustained order growth, shifts manufacturing closer to Asian markets, and could affect server and data center supply dynamics.

PlayNitride's Micro LED AR smart glasses gain traction in industrial control and drones

DIGITIMES — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 06:40:44 GMT

As the smart glasses market grows rapidly, the adoption of Micro LED in AI-powered eyewear is accelerating. PlayNitride has partnered with AR glasses maker ChaseWind to develop a full-color, high-resolution Micro LED AI smart glasses product, which is expected to be deployed in industrial control and drone applications. Meanwhile, its Tantium chips targeting wearable devices and automotive displays, launched in 2025, have entered the mass production phase and are set to begin order-based production in 2026.

China's export controls spark 140x yttrium price surge, fueling chip equipment fears

Charlene Chen — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 06:34:34 GMT

Yttrium, a critical rare earth element used in semiconductor manufacturing equipment, has seen its global supply tighten sharply due to China's export restrictions, driving prices up about 140x within a year and raising concerns over impacts on the semiconductor, aerospace, and energy sectors.

TSMC smashes records with massive 45% revenue surge in March

DIGITIMES — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 05:43:45 GMT

Tech giant TSMC has released a blockbuster revenue report for March 2026, signaling an extraordinary acceleration in the semiconductor sector.

Taiwan chip firms quietly build robot sector, eye US decoupling opportunities

Charlene Chen — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 04:32:18 GMT

The robotics market has been gaining attention since 2025, prompting active supply chain development. Within the chip industry, Taiwanese IC design firms generally believe that current robot applications have yet to reach a significant scale. As a result, players are quietly building capabilities to secure strong positions in the emerging industry. Notably, more collaboration opportunities from the US have recently surfaced.

China OSATs step up investment drive as AI demand lifts advanced packaging race

DIGITIMES — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 04:23:40 GMT

China's outsourced semiconductor assembly and test (OSAT) sector is accelerating capacity expansion and technology upgrades, with leading players ramping investment to capture rising demand from AI, high-performance computing (HPC), and automotive electronics.

Foxconn and Mitsubishi Fuso forge global play in electric buses

DIGITIMES — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 04:15:53 GMT

Foxconn and Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus have forged a strategic partnership aimed at exporting Japanese-made electric buses to Southeast Asia and Australia by 2030, combining Foxconn's rapid EV development capabilities with Mitsubishi Fuso's established brand and sales channels. The move addresses shrinking domestic demand in Japan and growing competition from Chinese manufacturers.

MetaOptics bets on Taiwan to scale metalens for AI, next-gen optics

DIGITIMES — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 04:15:46 GMT

MetaOptics, a Singapore-based metalens developer, is partnering with Taiwan's Pin-Jye Nano Technologies to scale production of next-generation optical components as the technology moves from research into early commercialization and gains new relevance in artificial intelligence and advanced sensing applications.

Spingence and Advantech accelerate AI edge deployment plans in South Korea manufacturing

Lily Hess — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 04:15:38 GMT

In response to strong demand for data security and on-premises AI deployment within South Korea's manufacturing and semiconductor sectors, Taiwanese AI company Spingence Technology is aggressively expanding into the South Korean market starting this year through its enterprise edge large language model (LLM) platform, Edgestar.

Exclusive: SpaceX delays FOPLP, PCB yield as execs plan April Taiwan visit

Charlene Chen — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 04:15:15 GMT

Elon Musk's SpaceX is facing production challenges at its newly built fan-out panel-level packaging (FOPLP) and printed circuit board (PCB) factories in Texas, delaying full-scale manufacturing until mid-2027. Industry sources say that despite nearly complete equipment installation, yields remain below expectations, prompting a postponement of mass production schedules.

Column: Corintis uses algorithms to target chip hotspots for precise cooling

Jingyue Hsiao — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 04:14:49 GMT

As HPC and AI processors push computing performance to unprecedented levels, transistor density has reached a point where thermal behavior is no longer uniform. Instead of gradual, evenly distributed heating, modern chips exhibit sharp, localized hotspots that concentrate extreme thermal loads within small regions.