The Taiwan Ministry of Justice Investigation Bureau is investigating 16 Chinese companies, including major firms such as Victory Giant Technology, Huntkey, and GoerTek, for allegedly recruiting high-tech talent in Taiwan illegally.

Silicon IP provider M31 Technology reported a net loss for the second quarter of 2025, as significant foreign exchange losses stemming from the sharp appreciation of the New Taiwan dollar offset operating profits. The company recorded a foreign exchange loss of NT$90.53 million (US$3.03 million), dragging quarterly performance into the red despite revenue growth.

Rising geopolitical tensions and trade barriers are prompting more US and European chipmakers to accelerate their "China for China" strategy — partnering with local Chinese foundries to localize manufacturing and strengthen supply chain resilience within the country.

SMIC warned of weaker chip shipment momentum in the fourth quarter of 2025 due to seasonal effects and customer inventory buildup, noting limited visibility ahead. However, the company believes potential US tariffs would have only a minor impact, with most clients already mitigating risks through stockpiling or alternative sourcing.

Despite the ongoing threat of new US tariffs on semiconductors, Sony Group has raised its financial forecast for fiscal year 2025. Media outlets, including Bloomberg and Nikkei, report that Sony expects operating profit through March 2026 to reach JPY1.33 trillion (US$9.1 billion), which is below the average analyst estimate of JPY1.39 trillion but higher than the JPY1.28 trillion forecast made in May 2025.

Touch IC design leader Elan Microelectronics held an investor conference and shared that its second quarter performance held up relatively well, with only a limited decline compared to the first quarter of 2025. Although regulations prevent disclosing specific forecasts for the third quarter, shipment strength is expected to be similar to the second, with short and rush orders likely to contribute as well.

The third quarter is traditionally a peak season, but Taiwanese panel manufacturers have gradually released news of a weaker-than-expected peak. The market is concerned about whether the second half of the year will be overly conservative. Grace Sung, chairperson of polarizer manufacturer Cheng Mei Materials Technology (CMMT), stated that brand owners accelerated purchases in the first quarter of 2025 due to tariffs and began destocking in the second quarter.

GlobalWafers chairperson Doris Hsu stated during its earnings call that recent currency fluctuations have somewhat suppressed revenue performance when calculated in New Taiwan Dollars (NTD). However, when calculated in USD, GlobalWafers' consolidated revenue for the second quarter of 2025 reached US$520 million, a 9.7% increase from the first quarter. Total revenue for the first half of 2025 was US$990 million, representing a 4.2% increase compared to the same period in 2024.

The "frenemy" relationship between Samsung Electronics and Apple, spanning over 20 years, has once again become a focal point. Reports indicate that the two tech giants are deepening cooperation in the US.

US President Donald Trump announced a new semiconductor tariff policy on August 6, 2025 (EST), officially declaring that tariffs under Section 232 will be imposed on chips and semiconductors. Deputy trade representative Huai-shing Yen of Taiwan's Office of Trade Negotiations (OTN) stated that Trump's mention of a 100% tariff on semiconductors was made in passing during Apple CEO Tim Cook's announcement of US investment and is not a formal executive order. She emphasized that Taiwan's negotiating team will continue to discuss reciprocal tariffs, Section 232, and supply chain cooperation with the US — this will not affect Taiwan's negotiation strategy or pace.