Taiwan's electronics manufacturing services (EMS) providers are accelerating their North American production plans in response to tariff threats, but component shortages and capacity constraints at US chip plants could hamper the AI server market for years, according to industry sources.
As tariff negotiations between the US and Japan intensify, Washington has turned a critical eye toward Japan's electric vehicle (EV) charging standards, identifying the country's CHAdeMO protocol as a significant non-tariff barrier. American officials have voiced frustration that Tesla's and other US automakers' charging systems are excluded from Japanese government subsidies, a point expected to take center stage in the upcoming second round of ministerial-level trade talks.
Since 2015, Mastertrans has focused on electric vehicle R&D. At the 360° MOBILITY Mega Shows, they presented a fully autonomous vehicle supply chain, including essential components like chassis, battery pack, and vehicle control systems. The company plans to debut its first electric intercity bus in the second quarter of 2025.
As vehicle electrification gains momentum, comprehensive solution providers are becoming pivotal to the EV supply chain. At the 2035 E-Mobility Taiwan show—held in 2025 despite its forward-looking title—Delta Electronics presented a broad suite of solutions under the theme "e-Charging Hub."
Hesai Technology, the leading LiDAR manufacturer in China, is planning a fourfold increase in its production capacity by 2025 to address the rapidly growing demand for automotive advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).
US tariff policies have triggered discussions about tax adjustments in Taiwan's domestic automobile market. In response, Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Taiwan Transportation Vehicle Manufacturers Association (TTVMA) have shown support for reducing the commodity tax, highlighting a consensus between the industry and the government.
China's CATL, the world's largest battery manufacturer, has unveiled a next-generation sodium-ion battery—nicknamed the "salt battery"—sending shockwaves through South Korea's battery sector.
Japanese chipmaker Renesas Electronics has adopted a cautious stance on expanding its production of power semiconductors for electric vehicles (EVs). During its earnings briefing on April 24, company president Hidetoshi Shibata revealed that the planned mass production at the Kofu plant in Yamanashi Prefecture, initially expected to begin in 2025, will move forward without a set schedule due to significant uncertainty in market demand.
China's export restrictions on rare earth minerals have raised concerns within the automotive industries of Europe and Japan while also prompting heightened vigilance in Taiwan's electric vehicle supply chain.
Kemflo Group, a leading player in the water purification, metal products, and industrial water treatment sectors, is on track for a record-breaking 2024. The company's core product lines are showing impressive growth, with metal products and water purification driving significant revenue gains. Furthermore, automotive equipment applications are emerging as a promising new growth avenue for Kemflo's metal business.
India has been actively seeking to attract Tesla, but the company remains cautious. Tesla CFO Vaibhav Taneja noted in a recent earnings call that while there's interest in expanding into India, the timing is still being carefully evaluated. In light of US-China tariff disputes, Tesla's potential entry into the Indian market has taken on geopolitical significance.
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