US President Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing a 15% tariff and minimum import prices on polysilicon to protect domestic manufacturers from Chinese competition.
German chip manufacturer Infineon reported a 13 percent revenue increase to 4.2 billion euros and a 39 percent profit rise to 423 million euros in its third fiscal quarter, driven by demand for AI data centre power solutions and automotive chips.
TSMC CEO C.C. Wei highlighted talent shortage as the primary challenge for Taiwan's semiconductor industry. He also pointed to water scarcity risks, emphasizing that chip production now depends on water, energy, land, and skilled labor. The government is taking steps to address these issues, including water management and attracting foreign talent.
Samsung Electronics' tentative wage agreement has sparked a national debate on distributing extraordinary corporate profits, particularly in the strategic semiconductor industry. Demands for fixed profit-sharing bonuses risk undermining crucial investments needed for global competitiveness, potentially widening wage inequality and social resentment.
Taiwan's legislature sees debate as the TPP proposes a resolution condemning Trump's remarks about Taiwan's chip industry. The DPP criticizes the TPP's focus, while the KMT supports the resolution, urging stronger government defense of Taiwan's dignity and achievements.
