Semiconductor Supply Chain: AMD plans to invest over $10B in Taiwan through 2029, targeting advanced chip packaging (EFB 2.5D) and ecosystem partners tied to TSMC’s leading-edge nodes—aimed at easing AI hardware bottlenecks. Critical Materials Squeeze: Reports say China is restricting or delaying germanium- and quartz-based exports to Taiwan via customs holds, hitting aerospace, optical, and semiconductor-related production and extending lead times. AI Hardware Pricing: Nvidia is set to raise AI server rack prices by up to 17% early next year, driven by memory costs—raising the bill for hyperscale data-center builds. Agriculture Innovation: Taiwan’s Hualien research station developed “Lanyang No. 1” black soybean, bred for lodging resistance and consistent ripening to support mechanized farming. Defense & Risk: Taiwan’s DPP is pushing a record 2027 defense budget to NT$1.1225T, while analysts argue Beijing is unlikely to attack Taiwan in the near term, preferring coercion. Weather & Safety: Heavy rain battered southern Taiwan, triggering red debris-flow and landslide alerts. Industry Outreach: New Taipei City will send 20 tech firms to LEAP 2026 in Riyadh with a hybrid pavilion to court Middle East buyers. Space Tech: Taiwan’s TASA successfully launched its first domestically developed sounding rocket, Maraho, validating key systems ahead of orbital plans.