The latest escalation in the US-China trade war has sent shockwaves through global markets as Beijing unveiled a calculated series of retaliatory measures against American businesses, marking a significant intensification of economic tensions between the world’s two largest economies.

The Chinese government’s response, triggered by President Trump’s blanket 10% tariff on Chinese imports, demonstrates a sophisticated approach to economic warfare by the Chinese. Its measures target strategic sectors from technology to rare earth metals with careful calibration of their impact on domestic markets.

Strategic targeting of American business interests

Beijing has said it will introduce a 10% tariff on US agricultural machinery and a 15% charge on crude oil imports, which will likely pressure specific US sectors rather than wage all-out economic warfare.

The measured approach is particularly evident in China’s targeting of US tech giant Google through an anti-monopoly investigation, despite the company’s limited presence in the Chinese market since 2010. The energy sector measures are more noteworthy, with China imposing a 10% tax on liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports from the US. While China has been increasing its LNG imports from America, with volumes nearly doubling since 2018, the overall impact will be limited.

US imports account for just 1.7% of China’s total crude oil purchases from abroad, suggesting Beijing has chosen its targets carefully, as ones that won’t significantly disrupt domestic energy security. China’s strategic calculation is further reinforced its existing strong energy relationships with alternative supplying countries, particularly Russia, where it has secured oil at discounted rates.

Rare metals and resource control

The most significant aspect of China’s response lies in its restriction of rare metal exports, which will have far-reaching implications for global supply chains right across the technology sector. With China controlling approximately 90% of global refined rare metal output, imposing export controls on 25 important metals, such as tungsten, could affect everything from aerospace technology to consumer electronics.

The timing of President Trump’s subsequent overture to Ukraine for rare earth metals supply, in exchange for $300 billion in support, underscores the significance of this particular countermeasure.

The automotive sector has not been spared, with China implementing a 10% tariff on pick-up trucks and large cars made in the US. However, this measure’s impact may be limited given China’s relatively low import volume of American vehicles and its established automotive trade relationships with European and Japanese manufacturers.

Beijing’s strategy consistently targets sectors where alternative suppliers are readily available to it. In a move that signals Beijing’s willingness to use regulatory power as a trade weapon, the addition of PVH, owner of Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger, to China’s ‘unreliable entity’ list represents a deliberate targeting of American consumer brands. The designation could lead to difficult challenges for these companies in the Chinese market, including potential fines, regulatory investigations, and complications with employee visas.

The Chinese policies mirror similar actions the US took through its entity list, highlighting the increasingly complex interplay between trade policy, regulatory oversight, and jingoism. Agricultural machinery tariffs deserve special attention. They align with China’s broader strategy of reducing dependence on foreign technology while building domestic capabilities. In recent years, China has significantly increased investments in the sector, making these tariffs more about protecting and promoting domestic industry than punishing US manufacturers.

The dual-purpose approach characterises much of Beijing’s response to US trade pressure. According to a research note by Julian Evans-Pritchard, head of China Economics at financial insight firm Capital Economics, China’s targeted measures affect approximately $20 billion worth of annual imports, representing about 12% of China’s total imports from the US. While this appears modest compared to the US’ $450 billion worth of targeted Chinese goods, Beijing’s selective response suggests a strategic approach aimed at maximising impact while maintaining economic stability.

Global implications and future outlook

The global implications of the trade dispute extend beyond bilateral relations. Restricting rare metal exports could create ripple effects throughout global supply chains, affecting industries from consumer electronics to defence manufacturing.

The global business community will watch closely as both nations prepare for potential negotiations, with Trump announcing plans to speak directly with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The scheduled implementation of China’s measures on February 10 is a deadline that will reveal either a diplomatic breakthrough or a further deterioration in US-China trade relations. The current escalation represents more than just a trade dispute; it reflects deeper tensions between the world’s two largest economies as they navigate issues of technological supremacy, economic security, and global influence.

As this new chapter in the US-China trade war unfolds, one outcome may well be different speeds of innovation in an industry that has always used the word ‘global’ when discussing the rapid speed of technological change.

The post Trade War 2.0: China strikes back at US with tech and metal sanctions appeared first on TechWire Asia.

Taiwan needs to double down on advancing its chip technology and expanding its supply chain to keep its top spot in the global market, according to a leading trade group. The call came just hours after Donald Trump secured his second term as US president.

“I am confident that the long-standing Taiwan-US partnership, built on shared values and interests, will continue to be a pillar of regional stability and prosperity for all,” said Taiwanese leader William Lai Ching-te in a congratulatory note to Trump.

Taiwan has long been a semiconductor powerhouse, with its chips powering everything from everyday electronics to advanced wind turbines and military equipment.

“We need to ramp up R&D to keep our critical position in the global semiconductor supply chain,” said Cliff Hou, Chairman of the Taiwan Semiconductor Industry Association and senior vice president at TSMC. He also said that talks with the Taiwanese government are underway to bring in foreign partners to establish design and materials hubs in Taiwan.

Taiwan’s semiconductor industry is set to see its output rise by 22% this year, reaching over US$164 billion, driven by booming AI technology and a rebounding economy, according to a top TSMC executive.

While Taiwan enjoys its status as a global chipmaking leader, it faces the threat of physical invasion by China, which views it as a breakaway province. Trump’s re-election could shift how Taiwan fits into international relations. President Joe Biden had consistently backed Taiwan with clear support, while Trump has signalled that the island should pay for its own defence. In a Bloomberg interview, he commented on his relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping, saying, “He was a very good friend of mine until Covid.”

Hou, a 27-year TSMC veteran with a US doctorate, stressed that Taiwan should also develop expertise in equipment and materials—areas still dominated by international companies. He told reporters at an event in Hsinchu that Taiwan’s strong bond with the US won’t waver, regardless of the political landscape.

Beyond TSMC, smaller Taiwanese suppliers are making big strides in AI-related tech, securing significant orders for data centre servers, cooling systems, and power solutions.

Despite his tough stance on Beijing during his previous presidency, Trump’s recent comments have been less favourable for Taiwan. He suggested that Taiwan’s defence budget should jump to 10% of its GDP and openly questioned the US’s role in defending the country. In October, he told podcast host Joe Rogan, “These chip companies, they stole 95% of our business. It’s in Taiwan right now. They do a great job, but that’s only because we have stupid politicians.”

John Bolton, Trump’s former national security adviser, previously noted that another Trump presidency could be dire for Taiwan, warning that “Taiwan is potentially toast.”

The day before the election, Cho Jung-tai, who heads Taiwan’s cabinet, was candid about defence spending, pointing out that the budget couldn’t be expanded “overnight.” Han Kuo-yu, a key legislator, echoed those concerns, saying that Taiwan’s political and economic challenges are likely to grow during a Trump presidency. He emphasised the importance of balancing ties with Washington while maintaining peace with Beijing.

Lai Shyh-bao, another legislator, added that Trump’s potential influence on Taiwan’s chip industry “should not be underestimated.”

Kuo Yu-jen, a professor from the Institute of China and Asia-Pacific Studies, advised that Taiwan should “watch Trump’s policies closely” to prepare for any shifts.

The president-elect hinted that tariffs could be his tool of choice to incentivise companies like TSMC to build chip facilities in the US. Hou, however, said Taiwan’s industry hasn’t been notified of any upcoming tariffs.

TSMC, which supplies Apple and Nvidia, has committed over US$65 billion for chip plants in Arizona, contingent on strong governmental support. Nonetheless, Taiwan aims to keep its most advanced tech within its borders. Recently, Economic Affairs Minister J.W. Kuo confirmed that local laws prevent TSMC from exporting its cutting-edge technologies abroad.

Want to learn more about AI and big data from industry leaders? Check out AI & Big Data Expo taking place in Amsterdam, California, and London. The comprehensive event is co-located with other leading events including Intelligent Automation Conference, BlockX, Digital Transformation Week, and Cyber Security & Cloud Expo.

Explore other upcoming enterprise technology events and webinars powered by TechForge here.

The post Can Taiwan hold its chip crown after Trump’s return? appeared first on TechWire Asia.

In northern Virginia, Microsoft is undertaking an unconventional experiment: building data centres with wood. The company uses cross-laminated timber (CLT), a specialised engineered wood product, in a hybrid construction approach alongside steel and concrete. 

The method is projected to reduce the facilities’ carbon footprint by 35% compared to standard steel construction and 65% to typical precast concrete structures. The initiative marks a step in Microsoft’s journey to become carbon-negative by 2030.

CLT, typically made from spruce, pine, or Douglas fir, offers unique advantages over traditional materials. It’s created by glueing together three to nine layers of timber stacked in alternate directions and pressing them into solid panels. 

Unlike steel, which can deform under high temperatures, CLT develops a protective char layer that maintains structural integrity longer. The sustainably harvested CLT will replace substantial portions of the thick concrete traditionally used for flooring and ceilings.

Microsoft rewriting the rules of data centre construction

Microsoft is fundamentally transforming its construction practices in the new requirements. The company is implementing strict low-carbon specifications for materials and equipment in data centre construction. With this shift, Microsoft will require selected high-volume suppliers to use 100% carbon-free electricity by 2030, creating a a positive impact in its supply chain.

Jim Hanna, who leads sustainability for Microsoft’s data centre engineering team, acknowledges the complexity: “We have to be system thinkers across the entire value chain of these materials that go into our data centres and the equipment that supplies [them]. That’s what makes it hard but certainly not impossible.”

Investing in tomorrow’s building materials

Microsoft is backing companies developing sustainable construction technologies through its $1 billion Climate Innovation Fund, which has already committed $761 million. The fund targets innovations that can achieve mainstream adoption by 2030, including:

• Stegra’s green steel plant in Sweden, designed to reduce carbon emissions by up to 95%,
• Boston Metal’s oxygen-generating steel production process,
• Electric Hydrogen’s renewable electricity-powered hydrogen production,
• CarbonCure’s carbon-capturing concrete,
• Prometheus Materials’ microalgae-based zero-carbon cement.

The challenge is substantial—according to the World Economic Forum, steel manufacturing contributes approximately 7% of global carbon emissions, while cement production accounts for about 8%. 

Brandon Middaugh, manager of the Climate Innovation Fund program, emphasises Microsoft’s unique approach: “What’s not so common [sic] is to see an investor like Microsoft come to the table and say I want to both provide you with capital and also sign a contract to buy the output.”

The company’s scale positions it as a catalyst for market transformation. “Microsoft is in a unique position just because they’re so large,” Thomas Hooker from Thornton Tomasetti, the structural engineering firm working on Microsoft’s Virginia data centres, said. “They can almost be […] a market mover and to some extent push some of these technologies to more widespread use.”

While Microsoft has achieved a 6.3% reduction in direct emissions over three years due to data centre growth, indirect emissions have increased by 30.9%. This challenge underscores the importance of innovative construction methods and materials. 

Richard Hage, Microsoft’s global strategy lead for data centre engineering, points to industry-wide momentum: “A lot of our suppliers are on the same journey as we are… implementing key initiatives to lower the embodied carbon of their materials and their products.”

While innovative, the shift to wooden data centres represents just one step in addressing the complex challenge of data centre sustainability. While Microsoft’s supply chain reforms and material investments show promise, the company’s 30.9% increase in indirect emissions highlights the tension between digital infrastructure growth and environmental goals. 

The success of these initiatives will ultimately depend not just on the technical viability of new materials but on Microsoft’s ability to scale these solutions across its rapidly expanding data centre network. As the tech industry grapples with its environmental impact, Microsoft’s experiment with wooden data centres could provide valuable insights into sustainable infrastructure development’s practical challenges and opportunities.

The post Why is Microsoft trading steel for wood in its latest data centres? appeared first on TechWire Asia.

Beijing has reportedly asked its domestic automakers to temporarily halt their expansion plans in the European Union (EU) market, marking an escalation of trade tensions between China and the EU. This informal directive directly responds to the EU’s recent vote to impose substantial tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, highlighting the growing complexity of global automotive trade relations.

China’s move was triggered by the EU’s decision earlier this month to potentially raise tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles to 45%, marking a turning point in the relationship between the two. European officials argue that Chinese manufacturers benefit from unfair state subsidies, which create an uneven playing field that threatens the EU’s domestic automotive industry.

The proposed tariff increase represents a substantial jump from current levels and signals the EU’s determination to protect its automotive sector. China has vehemently denied subsidy allegations, viewing the EU’s actions as protectionism. In response, Beijing has threatened retaliatory tariffs on various European exports, including dairy products, brandy, pork, and automobiles.

This tit-for-tat approach risks deepening the rift between two of the world’s largest trading partners. The move to ask Chinese automakers to halt their EU expansion plans, while not a mandatory order, demonstrates the Chinese government’s willingness to use its significant influence over domestic manufacturers as leverage in international trade disputes.

Sources familiar with the matter indicated to Bloomberg that Chinese authorities are advocating for a more cautious approach to European expansion, potentially reshaping the global electric vehicle market’s competitive landscape. Unfortunately, the tension comes at a crucial time for both markets.

Chinese automakers, including BYD, Great Wall Motor, and NIO, have expanded their presence in Europe rapidly, offering competitively-priced electric vehicles that have gained significant market share. The informal directive to pause expansion could significantly impact manufacturer’s growth strategies and market penetration plans.

For European automakers, the situation presents both opportunities and challenges. While reduced competition from Chinese manufacturers might provide breathing room for domestic producers, it could also slow the adoption of electric vehicles in the EU market, where Chinese brands have been instrumental in making battery-run vehicles more accessible to mainstream consumers.

The trade dispute also raises broader questions about the future of global automotive supply chains and industrial policy. As countries worldwide transition to electric vehicles, the competition for market dominance has intensified, with governments increasingly viewing the automotive sector as strategically crucial for economic development and technological leadership.

Industry analysts suggest that the development could lead to a more fragmented global automotive market, with regional blocs developing distinct supply chains and technical standards. This potential “decoupling” could increase consumer costs and slow the global transition to electric vehicles.

The directive has yet to be made official and the situation remains fluid, with both sides leaving room for negotiation. The informal nature of China’s directive suggests that Beijing may be using it as a bargaining chip rather than a permanent policy shift. Similarly, the EU’s tariff proposal must go through various approval stages before implementation.

As this trade dispute unfolds, the global automotive industry watches closely, aware that the outcome could reshape the competitive landscape of EV manufacturing and sales for years to come. The resolution of the conflict will likely have far-reaching implications for international trade relations, environmental policies, and the future of sustainable transportation.

The post China’s counter-strike: EV makers told to cool EU expansion after tariff clash appeared first on TechWire Asia.

The rise of AI systems has underscored the vital role data plays in modern businesses, pushing many organisations to finally capitalise on the data they generate daily. Data has always been important, but with AI’s rising significance, businesses are taking a more strategic approach to managing it – particularly in regions such as India.

The push for AI and big data infrastructure in India

India has positioned itself as a contender to become a global leader in artificial intelligence, with major technology companies such as Microsoft and Amazon committing billions to building computing infrastructure in the country. This investment race sees companies seeking dominance of the fast-growing AI industry. The Indian government has also offered incentives to tech companies to set up operations from electronics manufacturing to data storage, with the hope that a thriving domestic market and a competent workforce could elevate the country to the top ranks of AI technology consumers and exporters.

Microsoft, for example, has pledged approximately US$3.7 billion to southern state Telangana. Local officials report that the tech giant has acquired land for data centres which will contributing an additional 660 megawatts of IT capacity – enough electricity to power roughly half a million European homes annually. Meanwhile, Amazon plans to spend US$12.7 billion on cloud infrastructure in India by 2030. The country is emerging as one of the world’s most interesting tech markets.

Interestingly, data itself is no longer regarded as “big” in the conventional sense. Although data volumes have grown, hardware capabilities have advanced even faster. The emphasis has shifted from managing data volume to using it to improve decision-making.

As more companies integrate AI into their operations, data becomes increasingly important for measuring product effectiveness and gaining insights into internal processes. In recent years, India’s big data and AI ecosystem has expanded rapidly, attracting both large and small companies. The country is expected to become one of the world’s leading markets for big data analytics, offering numerous opportunities for data scientists.

According to Mordor Intelligence, India’s big data technology and services market is projected to reach US$2.17 billion by 2024 and grow to US$3.38 billion by 2029; a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.66%.

Unlocking potential for SMEs

Big data presents a significant opportunity for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in India to increase efficiency and drive growth. However, this potential is accompanied by challenges that require strategic planning.

SMEs are well-positioned to act as innovation leaders in the supply chain. Their agility allows them to adopt technologies like big data to identify market gaps and streamline their operations, opening the way to rapid growth. Their adaptability and growth will likely strengthens supply chain relationships and promote mutual growth in their vertical.

To fully leverage big data, SMEs should invest in IT infrastructure and improve data systems as first steps to boosting production and stakeholder trust. Advanced data analytics will assist businesses in gaining crucial insights, allowing them make decisions based on empirical data. Alongside the take-up of refreshed approaches to big data and AI, there is an important requirement for clear data governance policies (and adherence to the same) that address security and privacy.

Despite these benefits, SMEs face challenges from lack of comprehensive data policies and tools for extracting meaningful information. Fragmented IT systems create data silos, making it difficult to form the basis for effective decisions. Addressing these difficulties can assist SMEs in unlocking the full potential of big data and achieving long-term growth.

The role of big data across key industries in India

The talent gap in business processes means companies can and should adopt analytics, a facility gaining momentum in industries such as BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance), Retail, and Telecom. In Industry 4.0, data analytics is becoming an essential skill for sustainable manufacturing, alongside AI, machine learning, IoT, and automation.

For example, many retailers are dealing with erratic sales and need more resources to identify core problems or effectively forecast sales. Organisations generally lack the resources to establish an in-house data analytics team, so they turn to external analytics providers for answers.

Big data has the capability to transform the in-store retail experience. By analysing customer movement data, retailers can optimise store layouts, improve product placements, and create a more enjoyable shopping environment. Globally, apparel retailers have been leveraging these insights to refine their in-store experiences, and the results speak for themselves.

Revolutionising Indian agriculture with big data

Big data in agriculture is changing the way Indian farmers make decisions. Farmers can now make decisions based on data from ground-based sensors, satellites, weather forecasts, and machines, rather than guesswork. Big data enables them to manage real-time irrigation requirements, monitor soil health, estimate crop yields, and detect early plant disease signs. This transition to ‘smart farming’ is important in India, where optimal resource utilisation may considerably increase productivity and efficiency while lowering waste and environmental impact.

Ultimately, big data is improving agricultural output in India while paving the way for a more sustainable future.

India’s big data technology and services market remains highly competitive and fragmented, yet the country’s robust IT services sector means relatively easy adoption of the latest in technology. In addition to established industry giants, numerous startups and mid-sized businesses are increasingly meeting the growing demand for big data solutions in multiple industries.

Conclusion

As India works to position itself as a global leader in AI and big data, the opportunities are vast. The ability to use data is critical for driving innovation, growth, and sustainability, whether in large tech companies or small and medium-sized enterprises. Big data and its use are redefining how businesses operate and make choices, from supply chain transformation to agricultural revolution. The future appears bright for enterprises of any size that are ready to embrace the ‘big data’ resurgence.

The post How big data and AI are transforming India’s business landscape appeared first on TechWire Asia.

The Northernmost island in the Japanese archipelago, Hokkaido, is perhaps best known for its hot springs, cold winters, spider crab delicacies, and ski-ing. But close to Chitose airport near Sapporo, the island’s capital, a new construction site represents what many think epitomises a revitalisation of the Japanese economy.

The Rapidus Corporation is a Japanese startup that is building a new semiconductor fabrication facility in partnership with IBM. The plant will make wafers based on Big Blue’s 2nm designs which were developed in the US.

The timing of the Rapidus project means that the plant should be coming on line when international trade is being negatively affected by poor US-China relations and supply chain issues caused by the continuing conflicts in the Ukraine and Palestine. Prime time to sell much needed chips, therefore.

The supply-chain shortages stemming from the COVID epidemic sharpened focus for policy-makers all over the world, highlighting just how reliant multiple industries are on microprocessors.

Like many countries, Japan is desperate not to have a repeat of the situation when in 2021, large swathes of industry were at an effective standstill due to supply chain issues outside its control.

Japan economically re-imagined

From its heady days in the 1980s when Japan produced around half the world’s silicon wafers, the country’s market share in semiconductor chip fabrication has dropped to just 10%, a victim of a larger national economic decline and the emergence of China and Taiwan as the powerhouses of chip design and manufacture.

But Japan is not trying to recapture the glory days of its technological past by repeating the same type of economic protectionism that was the hallmark of its Asian Tiger phenomenon. Instead, its policy makers have taken the example set by US, Taiwanese, and European chip makers in forming international conglomerates that jointly design, build and distribute silicon microprocessors.

Since 2021, the Japanese trade ministry has embarked on a more hands-on approach [PDF] to boosting specific sectors of the economy, eschewing the libertarian, market-first economics that many have blamed for the country’s stagnation over the last 30 years.

The government’s policies include huge subsidies in areas of industry it wishes to promote, so medical suppliers, semiconductor chip fabrication and technology companies, and renewable energy hardware manufacturers are being offered attractive packages to locate either in Japan or in countries nearby.

The trade ministry says its commitments to revitalisation measures in these sectors will be “large-scale, long-term [and] well-planned.”
Tokyo is using carefully formulated regulatory policies to promote what it terms ‘mission-oriented projects’ such as promoting green technology, renewable energy and high-tech production facilities like that going up on Hokkaido island.

Semiconductor chip fabrication in Hokkaido

As Japan’s northernmost main island, Hokkaido’s abundant fresh water supplies and a mature renewable energy infrastructure make it a good fit for manufacturing technology that will help create a greener technological future.

It’s also the home to several world-class universities, which it’s hoped, will supply the next generation of researchers and engineers needed for Japan to return to its lost, technological powerhouse status.

The IBM 2nm chip design will, according to IBM, increase battery capacities, lower the power requirements for computers (especially important for power data centres and burgeoning demand for AI) and help improve technologies around real-time processing, such as image recognition and autonomous transport.

The Hokkaido plant is expected to employ around 1,000 people by 2027, and is backed by major Japanese companies like Toyota and Sony. Investment from the private sector is bolstered by significant government contributions. The Japanese authorities have pledged around $27bn in investment in technology development and research over the next three years.

The post Japan rekindles with 2nm chip fabrication plant appeared first on TechWire Asia.

Germany is known across the world as a centre of engineering and manufacturing excellence. From heavy industry to car manufacture, its reputation is for resilient, high-quality products that are the standard against which many brands measure themselves.

Since the semiconductor supply chain crisis of the post-COVID period, investment in high-tech silicon foundries has grown, especially in the Saxony region, known locally as “Silicon Saxony”

Chip manufacturers beat supply chain shortage threat

The worldwide chip shortage, created by high demand for new hardware and exacerbated by US-China relations, was a wake-up call to governments around the world who felt themselves as hostages to the dominance of the Far East in the silicon fabrication sector. Without domestic chip manufacturers, foundries and, therefore, some guarantee of continued availability of microprocessors, industries of all types could easily find themselves in the same situation as that which transpired between 2020-2023. Several high-profile cases dominated the news headlines in the aftermath of the COVID pandemic when for example, cars could not leave German manufacturing plants for want of a few slivers of silicon for their in-vehicle entertainment and engine management systems.

Germany’s Saxony region, already home to over 3650 high-tech companies that employ over 75,000 workers (expected to rise to 100,000 by 2030), has deepened its ties with Taiwan’s TSMC and welcomed a 50bn Euro in industry investments. Frank Bösenberg, Managing Director of local trade organisation Silicon Saxony, said, “What sets us apart is not just semiconductor production but our ability to combine hardware, software, and connectivity technologies. We’ve cultivated a complete value chain, from R&D to production, supported by top-tier universities and a semiconductor-savvy regulatory environment.”

Chip manufacturer TSMC builds education ties

Ground was broken last month in Dresden, Saxony’s regional capital, on a new fabrication facility being built by the European Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (ESMC), a joint venture between TSMC, Bosch, Infineon and NXP, with additional investment in the form of subsidies by the German government. The plant, owned by TSMC, will come into production in 2027 and provide around 6,000 jobs.

Despite Germany’s advanced abilities in high-tech engineering that are largely unrivalled in Europe, TSMC still struggles to source suitably skilled employees. A range of cooperative projects between the private sector and international universities hopes to supply the demand for future generations in the form of traineeships and internships.

In addition to semiconductors, the Saxony region also boasts companies and startups in developing technologies such as organic computing and battery technology, the latter feeding into the area’s other specialisation, of EV production. But it’s in semiconductors that the realities of global competition will become most apparent. Questions about Germany’s highly unionised workforce competing with Asian work practices mean that companies like TSMC have to embrace local work cultures to expand into a truly global supplier, one that’s less at the mercy of supply chain problems.

That’s an aim in line with the EU’s Chips Act which came into force in 2023, comprising measures to increase the bloc’s share of the global semiconductor production market to 20% by 2030, from its current 10% slice at present. If achieving that goal is only possible by encouraging APAC businesses to locate in Saxony, then companies like Taiwan’s TSMC will find conditions constructed to be favourable.

Want to learn more about AI and big data from industry leaders? Check out AI & Big Data Expo taking place in Amsterdam, California, and London. The comprehensive event is co-located with other leading events including Intelligent Automation Conference, BlockX, Digital Transformation Week, and Cyber Security & Cloud Expo.

Explore other upcoming enterprise technology events and webinars powered by TechForge here.

The post “TSMC liebt Saxony” for global semicon production appeared first on TechWire Asia.