Taiwan

晶片攻入3D堆疊、埃米製程 經部研發「透視眼」X光量測技術提升良率

Liberty Times Net | Local Language | News | Jan. 23, 2026 | UndeterminedTech Development/Adoption

The Ministry of Economic Affairs’ Standards Bureau, through the Measurement Technology Development Center of the Industrial Technology Research Institute, has developed advanced X-ray critical-dimension measurement technology to address resolution limitations of traditional optical inspection in semiconductor manufacturing. This X-ray technology can accurately measure nanoscale chip parameters, supporting the industry's shift from planar designs to complex heterogeneous 3D stacking and from nanometer to ångström scales.

At a press conference on January 21, the Standards Bureau highlighted its role in providing over 5,000 standard calibration services annually and supporting more than 4 million testing services across industries, generating NT$20 billion in testing output value. The Bureau also showcased innovations such as the SUPERSIZER online monitoring system, capable of detecting minute contaminants to improve material purity and chip yield, and emphasized the strategic importance of developing proprietary measurement methods as domestic semiconductor firms advance.

Additional technological advancements introduced include a self-calibrating temperature sensor shortening calibration from 12 days to 30 minutes, digital linear-rail calibration reducing assembly time by two-thirds, and AI-enhanced sound inspection for wind turbine blades that cuts inspection time from 30 to 5 minutes while maintaining over 90% accuracy. These innovations reflect ongoing efforts to enhance precision measurement across various sectors.

Looking ahead, the Standards Bureau intends to maintain national measurement standards aligned with international benchmarks while continuing to pioneer forward-looking measurement technologies, supporting industrial upgrading, and fostering public trust through precise and reliable measurements. The Bureau currently holds the highest national measurement standards in 17 fields with 133 sets, recognized mutually by 102 global economies.

瑞銀示警，HBM搶走晶圓，車用DRAM漲價風暴逼近，Q2供應鏈壓力升溫

Yahoo Finance | Local Language | News | Jan. 23, 2026 | Supply Chain Issues

UBS warns that generative AI-driven demand for high-performance memory, especially high-bandwidth memory (HBM) for AI servers, is reshaping the global DRAM supply landscape. Automotive-grade DRAM is facing simultaneous price hikes and shortages, with supply chain risks expected to emerge from Q2 2026 and escalate during the 2026–2027 technology transition. The shift of wafer production resources toward higher-margin HBM reduces flexibility for traditional DRAM products like DDR, causing rapid price increases. By 2026, HBM could consume nearly 20% of global DRAM wafer supply, while DRAM contract prices are forecasted to rise approximately 55%–60% quarter-on-quarter in Q1 2026. Price surges may strain automakers and component suppliers, potentially reducing EBIT by 5%–6% under baseline scenarios and up to 24% in extreme cases, particularly impacting groups with high electronics and ADAS content.

Nanya Technology’s General Manager Li Pei-ying anticipates limited new DRAM capacity through 2026 and the first half of 2027, with strong demand from AI and servers driving ongoing shortages and price gains, including for multiple DRAM products such as DDR5, LPDDR5, DDR4, LPDDR4, and DDR3. Long-term contracts and prepayments are increasing, although pricing growth in Q1 2026 is expected to moderate compared to late 2025. Nanya expects its DDR5 share to grow modestly and foresees no immediate U.S. manufacturing expansion despite tariff threats, while maintaining optimism for full-year performance.

Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (PSMC) is expanding cooperation with Micron through a $1.8 billion sale of its Tongluo P5 wafer fab, aiming to support Micron’s advanced DRAM capacity expansion expected to begin production in the second half of 2027. PSMC is launching a DRAM process upgrade investment plan to meet customer demand for higher-capacity and faster DRAM, underpinned by steady AI-driven memory market growth and global DRAM undersupply. The strategic partnership includes Micron providing advanced packaging services and process improvement assistance to PSMC’s Hsinchu fab, reinforcing PSMC’s foundry capabilities.

The escalating memory prices and shortages are impacting downstream markets, with Chinese smartphone brands reportedly lowering 2026 shipment targets by 10%–20% in price-sensitive segments due to rising component costs. Research firms forecast DRAM contract prices to increase roughly 55%–60% and NAND flash by 33%–38% quarter-on-quarter in Q1 2026, while global smartphone shipment growth expectations were revised down slightly, reflecting cost pressures passing through to end consumers.

Additionally, Micron’s acquisition of PSMC’s Tongluo fab is expected to boost global DRAM supply capacity in 2027, contributing over 10% of Micron’s Q4 2026 global capacity. This move is part of Micron’s broader investment in Taiwan, complementing existing fabs and enabling faster scaling amid the AI-driven memory demand surge.

In the metals sector, copper prices have surged about 50% over the past year, driven by supply disruptions and policy expectations, but industry experts view the rally as short-term and unsustainable without long-term structural support. Mining giants like Rio Tinto and Glencore are exploring a potential merger valued above USD 200 billion, although Chinese regulatory approval is expected to hinge on concessions due to concerns over market concentration and resource security.

黃國昌：卓榮泰說辯論馬上龜縮 賴清德是不是考慮親自上陣

United Daily News | Local Language | News | Jan. 23, 2026 | UndeterminedPolitics and Elections

Taiwan’s general budget for 2026 remains stalled in the Legislative Yuan. Premier Cho Jung-tai initially proposed a direct public debate to resolve the impasse but withdrew after opposition lawmakers accepted the challenge. Huang Kuo-chang, chief convener of the Taiwan People’s Party legislative caucus, criticized Cho for lacking courage and responsibility, suggesting that President Lai Ching-te might need to personally step in to address the issue.

Huang also called for the special act concerning U.S. arms purchases, totaling NT$1.25 trillion, to be included in the debate. He offered to publicly debate President Lai on this topic, promising that if the public sided with Lai’s position, the Taiwan People’s Party would support the Executive Yuan’s version of the arms-purchase legislation. Huang emphasized the importance of clarifying whether paying for weapons without their delivery truly strengthens national defense.

Additionally, opposition parties submitted a proposal to release funds for 38 emerging project budgets, which has already progressed to a second reading and negotiation phase. Huang criticized the ruling Democratic Progressive Party for what he sees as a lack of urgency and willingness to address livelihood-related items, accusing them of prioritizing political struggle over the needs of the people.