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.

公平會考量市場規模變動 調高事業結合申報銷售額門檻

Central News Agency | Local Language | News | Jan. 23, 2026 | Regulation

The Fair Trade Commission of Taiwan has approved amendments to increase the sales thresholds for business combination filings in response to steady economic growth and changes in market size. The domestic sales high threshold for non-financial businesses has been raised from NT$15 billion to NT$20 billion, with the low threshold also increased. For financial institutions, the domestic sales high threshold was raised from NT$30 billion to NT$40 billion. The global sales high threshold rose from NT$40 billion to NT$50 billion, and the global and domestic sales low thresholds were increased from NT$2 billion to NT$3 billion.

Additionally, the total sales amount threshold for exclusion from the determination of monopolistic enterprises was raised from NT$2 billion to NT$3 billion. These adjustments aim to reduce reporting burdens on businesses, moderately relax regulatory density, and align regulatory measures with actual market conditions while balancing economic development and competition. The updated rules will be implemented after publication by the Executive Yuan Gazette Center.

The Fair Trade Commission also aligned its recognition criteria for insurance industry sales with amendments made by the Financial Supervisory Commission, broadening the sales basis to include insurance income, net investment gains and losses, asset management service income, and other operating income. The commission emphasized that these changes maintain regulatory density without significantly impacting the market and urged businesses to use pre-filing consultation services to facilitate compliance with the new filing procedures.

台商供應鏈重組 國銀海外曝險15.1兆美國增額居冠

Central News Agency | Local Language | News | Jan. 23, 2026 | Supply Chain Issues

By the end of 2025, domestic Taiwanese banks' overseas exposure reached NT$15.1268 trillion, marking a 6.49% year-on-year increase. The United States accounted for the largest portion at NT$4.2418 trillion, with an annual increase of NT$352.9 billion (9.07%), driven by Taiwanese businesses' expanding presence and banks' investments primarily in U.S. Treasuries.

The ranking of countries for overseas exposure shifted due to global supply chain restructuring: the United States remained first, while Australia and Japan overtook China to become the second and third largest, respectively. China and Hong Kong fell to fourth and fifth place, reflecting reduced Chinese economic activity and real estate sector weakness.

The composition of overseas exposure included NT$7.3047 trillion in investments, NT$5.8146 trillion in credit (loans), and NT$2.0075 trillion in interbank placements and deposits. Nearly half of the annual NT$922.2 billion increase was from credit demand, influenced significantly by the New Southbound countries (40%) and the United States (28%). Bond investments dominated the investment category at NT$5.5584 trillion, followed by securitized products at NT$917.9 billion.

The increase in cross-border business activities and fund mobilization needs among Taiwanese enterprises elevated banks' interbank clearing and liquidity requirements, causing placements and deposits to rise by NT$129.5 billion year-on-year. Overall, supply chain adjustments and overseas business expansions have driven significant growth and shifts in domestic banks' overseas financial engagements.