Weekly Roundup: TSMC Halts Chip Supplies to China, NT$15 Billion Anti-Drug Strategy Approved, NT$196.5 Billion Tech Budget Planned for 2025
Catch up with the latest tech, politics, financial, global development of Taiwan
Tech Spotlight
TSMC halts 7nm chip supplies to Chinese AI firms, effective Nov 11, amid U.S.-China tensions. The suspension affects AI and GPU development, pushing firms to explore limited local alternatives. SemiMedia
Foxlink launched Ubilink, Taiwan's most powerful supercomputer, in Tucheng, New Taipei, with 128 Nvidia H100 servers delivering 45.82 PFLOPs. Ubilink, representing 55% of Taiwan’s total supercomputing capacity, targets AI applications in drug development and smart healthcare. Taiwan News
TSMC launched the Taichung Zero Waste Manufacturing Center, cutting 130,000 metric tons of waste and NT$1.5 billion in environmental costs annually. An MOU with the Ministry of Environment supports carbon capture tech development for broader sustainability impact. TSMC
Feng Chia University launched its second research rocket, SHSR-Aero2 rocket, reaching 6.4 km altitude and enhancing Taiwan’s space tech under TASA’s support. Taiwan News
Politics
Legislators Fan Yun and Puma Shen called for updates to Taiwan’s University Act, citing issues with autonomy that hinder oversight and leave universities vulnerable to exploitation. Proposed reforms aim to address pay for teachers, democratic representation for students, and security concerns over foreign influence. Taiwan News
Taiwan's Ministry of Digital Affairs is investigating Taobao ads on Taipei's MRT system for possible legal violations. Concerns include user data security and compliance with Taiwan’s regulations on foreign businesses. Taiwan News
The Executive Yuan approved a NT$15 billion anti-drug strategy focused on high-tech detection, targeting online trafficking, and cross-border intelligence sharing. Etomidate, a “zombie vape” drug, was reclassified as a Category 2 narcotic, with stricter penalties for possession and trafficking. Efforts include coordinated law enforcement and upgraded testing capabilities. Taipei Times
Finance Focus
Central bank chief Yang Chin-lung warned that Trump’s return could increase trade tensions, especially regarding Taiwan's US$48 billion trade surplus with the U.S. Yang suggested expanding purchases of American energy and military goods to offset the imbalance, while noting potential challenges if Trump raises tariffs on China to 60%. Focus Taiwan
Hon Hai plans expanded U.S. investments in AI and EVs, focusing on AI applications in Wisconsin and EV operations in Ohio. AI servers, projected to drive 50% of server sales by 2025, support Hon Hai's growth amid high global demand. Third-quarter profit rose 41% to NT$49.33 billion, with fourth-quarter sales expected to exceed NT$1.85 trillion. Focus Taiwan
Taiwan's government plans to allocate NT$196.5 billion to tech in 2025, a 25% increase from 2024, focusing on semiconductors, AI, net-zero, and aerospace. Approval depends on legislative support amid opposition challenges. Focus Taiwan
Global Focus
Premier Cho Jung-tai announced Taiwan’s readiness for a larger Indo-Pacific role, emphasizing defense, secure energy policies, and semiconductor growth. A task force, led by Deputy Premier Cheng, will outline new US cooperation strategies ahead of President-elect Trump’s administration. Taiwan News
Four Danish MPs defied Beijing’s objections to visit Taiwan, discussing security, trade, and Denmark's policy on Taiwanese identification as Chinese. The delegation voiced strong support for Taiwan. Taiwan News
Japanese visitors to Taiwan surpassed 1 million as of last month, up nearly 50% from last year. Diverse marketing efforts, including events, exhibitions, and promotions, have contributed to this surge. The Tourism Administration expects record-high Japanese arrivals, supported by campaigns like buy-one-get-one train deals and Tokyo commercials. Taipei Times
Taiwan in Numbers
Average monthly wage rose 3.22% to NT$46,643 in September. Total wages hit NT$56,346. Low pay continues to drive labor shortages in hospitality. Taipei Times
Taiwan’s tax revenue jumped 50.9% in October to NT$349.8 billion, led by corporate income tax and securities gains. Year-to-date revenue has hit the NT$3.3 trillion target. Taipei Times
Gasoline and diesel prices drop NT$0.4 per liter this week. New prices: NT$28.4 for 92-octane, NT$29.9 for 95, and NT$31.9 for 98. Taipei Times
Our Latest Release
Taiwan's Progressive Approach to Cryptocurrency: Balancing Innovation with Regulatory Oversight
Cryptocurrency investments have gained popularity, with some companies assisting clients in navigating the space, including cryptocurrency banks offering digital assets as financial products.
Taiwan’s Weather Update
This Week’s Recap
November 11 (Monday): Partly cloudy with a chance of light rain, high of 24°C, low of 19°C.
November 12 (Tuesday): Mostly sunny, temperatures reaching up to 25°C during the day and dropping to 18°C at night.
November 13 (Wednesday): Sunny skies, daytime high of 26°C, nighttime low of 18°C.
November 14 (Thursday): Clear and sunny, with temperatures around 27°C during the day and 19°C at night.
November 15 (Friday): Partly cloudy, slight chance of rain, high of 26°C, low of 20°C.
November 16 (Saturday): Overcast with possible showers, daytime high of 25°C, nighttime low of 19°C.
November 17 (Sunday): Cloudy with scattered showers, temperatures around 24°C during the day and 18°C at night.
Next Week’s Forecast
November 18 (Monday): Partly cloudy with a chance of light rain, high of 24°C, low of 19°C.
November 19 (Tuesday): Mostly sunny, temperatures reaching up to 25°C during the day and dropping to 18°C at night.
November 20 (Wednesday): Sunny skies, daytime high of 26°C, nighttime low of 18°C.
November 21 (Thursday): Clear and sunny, with temperatures around 27°C during the day and 19°C at night.
November 22 (Friday): Partly cloudy, slight chance of rain, high of 26°C, low of 20°C.
November 23 (Saturday): Overcast with possible showers, daytime high of 25°C, nighttime low of 19°C.
November 24 (Sunday): Cloudy with scattered showers, temperatures around 24°C during the day and 18°C at night.