1. AI Data Center Chips: A Market Set for Explosive Expansion in 2025

Omdia recently forecasted that the AI data center chip market will surge from USD 123 billion in 2024 to USD 207 billion in 2025. The one-year growth is nearly equivalent to the combined growth expected over the next five years, as the market will only reach USD 286 billion by 2030. By 2026, AI infrastructure spending will peak as a share of total data center expenditure, with almost all incremental spending driven by AI. However, growth in AI infrastructure investment is expected to gradually slow down through 2030.

Comment: The expected surge in the AI data center chip market signals a new phase of technological advancement, driven by AI's increasing role in cloud and edge infrastructure. While growth will be robust, a slowdown after 2026 could reflect the market's maturity and the shift from rapid expansion to optimization.

2. US Delays Tariff Decisions: A Lifeline for Chinese PC Hardware

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has once again delayed the reinstatement of a 25% tariff on graphics cards and related PC hardware imported from China. The exemption, originally set to expire on August 31, has now been extended to November 29, 2025. This means graphics cards, motherboards, and solid-state drives (SSDs) assembled in China will remain exempt from high import duties for at least the next three months. The USTR cited public feedback and ongoing supply chain constraints as reasons for the extension, while also acknowledging that suppliers outside of China are still not ready to take on the burden.

Comment: The U.S. delay on the tariff reinstatement highlights the delicate balance between trade policy and the tech industry's needs. It underscores the ongoing challenges in global supply chains and the need for strategic alliances and market diversification, especially as non-Chinese suppliers struggle to fill the gap.

3. Smart Home Robots: Surging Demand and Changing Competition

According to IDC's Worldwide Quarterly Smart Home Cleaning Robot Device Tracker for Q2 2025, global shipments of smart home cleaning robots reached 15.352 million units in the first half of the year, representing a 33% year-over-year increase. Lawn-mowing robots stood out, with shipments of 2.343 million units, up 327.2% year-over-year. Since the second half of 2024, the industry has experienced a wave of new entrants, with multiple brands accelerating their expansion. Chinese manufacturers are intensifying competition in major European and American markets, leveraging advantages in technology and distribution channels to capture larger market shares, reshaping the global competitive landscape.

Comment: The impressive growth in smart cleaning robots reflects changing consumer lifestyles, with automation becoming a central part of daily life. As competition intensifies, particularly from Chinese manufacturers, we're likely to see more innovation and price pressures that could reshape the entire market landscape.

4. China's PC Market Continues to Thrive Amid Economic Pressures

New data from Canalys shows that in Q2 2025, the PC market in mainland China (excluding tablets) grew 12% year-over-year, reaching shipments of 10.2 million units. Demand was strong across both consumer and commercial segments, with shipments up 13% and 12%, respectively. This growth was primarily driven by ongoing consumer subsidies and robust procurement activity from state-owned enterprises and government institutions. Meanwhile, tablet shipments rose 18% year-over-year, totaling 9.1 million units for the quarter. Looking ahead, PC shipments in mainland China are forecasted to grow 2% in 2025 and 3% in 2026. Tablets are expected to increase 8% in 2025 but decline by 9% in 2026.

Comment: China's PC market growth underscores the continued demand driven by both consumer and government sectors. However, the shift in tablet market performance suggests a maturing consumer market, with more consumers gravitating toward flexible and portable devices over traditional PCs, presenting both opportunities and challenges.

5. TSMC's Price Hike Plans: Navigating Rising Costs and Global Challenges

According to industry sources, TSMC is considering raising prices for all of its advanced process technologies by 5% to 10% in 2026 to offset the impact of U.S. tariffs, currency fluctuations, and supply chain cost pressures. Reports suggest that TSMC has communicated the proposed price increases to its foundry customers, which would apply to process nodes including 5nm/4nm, 3nm, and 2nm technologies.

Comment: TSMC's potential price hike is a clear response to rising costs in the semiconductor industry, driven by global trade dynamics and supply chain constraints. While this may affect short-term pricing, it could spur greater efficiency in the long run, as manufacturers focus on cost optimization to maintain margins.