The April 10 episode of DIGITIMES Daily News covers multiple technology and trade developments. It opens with SpaceX's manufacturing challenges at its new Terrafab facility in Austin, Texas, where FOPLP panel packaging and PCB production are experiencing yield issues. SpaceX's PCB yield is reported at only 60%, significantly lower than Taiwanese competitors' 90%+, with mass production delayed until mid-2025. SpaceX executives are reportedly planning a late April visit to Taiwan to meet with PCB and packaging suppliers. MediaTek is expanding its influence in Wi-Fi chips, growing in consumer markets and entering telecom operator systems while exploring opportunities in Europe and America. MediaTek has introduced its Wi-Fi 8 technology solution, integrating 5G and Wi-Fi wireless technologies with its subsidiary DaFa Technology's fixed broadband expertise. This combination, along with power management and RF front-end support, forms what MediaTek calls a 'networking aircraft carrier battle group.' Networking is positioned as the next growth driver after computing chips and AI servers. The US is considering expanding restrictions on Chinese laboratories testing electronic products, with a late April vote on whether to completely ban Chinese labs from providing testing services for US-bound products. If passed, this would exclude China's extensive testing system, though current bans only affect government-backed labs. Major international companies like HP, Dell, Microsoft, and Sony are already reducing testing in China, potentially transferring orders to Taiwan. However, Taiwanese industry needs to increase testing capacity to handle the scale previously managed in China. EU-US tariff negotiations face complications due to a US Supreme Court ruling on Trump-era measures and EU reciprocal tariff actions, affecting automotive tariff discussions. The EU is also considering adjustments to large pickup truck import regulations, causing concern for Detroit's Big Three automakers: General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis. Industry observers note that US automakers view EU moves as non-tariff barriers that could lead to zero tariffs but also zero sales for large pickups in Europe, indicating rising trade friction. The episode concludes by summarizing these interconnected issues in global technology supply chains and trade relations.
