Dear Subscriber,

As SEMICON Taiwan 2026 opens its doors this week, Germany is making a record-breaking appearance with 31 participating organizations in the German Pavilion, underscoring the growing importance of German-Taiwanese cooperation in the semiconductor industry. From semiconductor manufacturing equipment and smart factories to automation and more, this year’s Pavilion showcases the breadth of Germany’s semiconductor ecosystem and highlights new opportunities for collaboration between our two economies.

Beyond semiconductors, Germany and Taiwan continue to strengthen their shared efforts in industrial innovation and sustainability. In this issue, you can read about the Taiwan Sustainability Summit, where leaders from government, industry, and academia explored how Industrial AI, digitalization, and net-zero strategies can help shape the future of manufacturing.

From our Business Alliance, igus demonstrates how automation is transforming modern logistics and manufacturing. The company introduced an autonomous pallet mover designed to streamline internal warehouse operations.

We also take a closer look at the latest investment trends between Taiwan and Germany through a GTAI Deep Dive by Dr. Jürgen Maurer. The article explores how Taiwanese companies are increasing their overseas investments and are placing greater focus on Germany as a destination for foreign direct investment (FDI).

Wishing you a great week ahead!

Dr. Eva Langerbeck
Chief Representative & Executive Director

Germany is set to make a strong showing at SEMICON Taiwan 2026 this week with a record 31 organizations participating in the German Pavilion, up from 18 last year — an increase of approximately 72%, organized by DEinternational Taiwan and Silicon Saxony e.V.

The Pavilion brings together semiconductor companies, industry clusters, investment promotion agencies, cities, and professional service providers, showcasing Germany’s expertise across semiconductor manufacturing equipment, smart factories, automation, cleanroom technologies, materials, sensing, inspection, and talent development.

Throughout the exhibition, participating organizations will present innovative technologies and highlight opportunities for Taiwanese companies seeking to expand into Germany and the European market. The German Pavilion will host several Happy Hour networking events during the exhibition to further promote exchanges and cooperation between the German and Taiwanese semiconductor industries. 

Led by Saxon State Minister Dirk Panter, a high-level Saxon delegation will once again visit Taiwan, underscoring the region’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with Taiwanese industry.

Visit us from September 2 to 4 at TaiNEX Hall 1, 1F, K2760.

Learn more about the participating exhibitors here.

Germany and Taiwan share strong manufacturing sectors and vibrant SME ecosystems. As AI continues to advance, turning innovation into real-world industrial applications—while improving energy and resource efficiency—is becoming an increasingly important priority for both sides.

At the 2026 Taiwan Sustainability Summit, the German Trade Office Taipei joined the German Institute Taipei, Siemens Taiwan, TAISE, and public- and private-sector leaders from Germany and Taiwan to explore the future of Industrial AI, Digital Twins, and net-zero transformation.

As our Chief Representative Dr. Eva Langerbeck highlighted, by building on their complementary strengths, Germany and Taiwan can work together to accelerate both the digital and green transitions.

At the conclusion of the Summit, the four organizers jointly presented five Core Statements outlining a shared vision for AI-driven industrial and sustainable transformation:
• AI as Foundational and Strategic Infrastructure
• Mindset, Talent, and Partnerships Will Determine the AI Race
• Scaling AI Across Industries to Advance Net-Zero Transformation
• Strengthening SME Digitalization Readiness
• Balancing AI Growth, Energy Demand, and Net-Zero Ambitions

From AI adoption and SME digitalization to energy resilience and net zero, we look forward to seeing more German-Taiwanese collaboration turn innovation into impact.

Taiwan is a global powerhouse in the semiconductor industry, renowned for its advanced tech infrastructure, agile manufacturing prowess, and critical role in the international supply chain. As Taiwanese firms increasingly look outward to secure European footholds, NRW presents unique synergies. The region combines robust industrial traditions with a rapidly growing microelectronics cluster, offering incoming investors immediate access to specialized talent, specialized industrial land, and lucrative public funding packages tailored for critical technologies.

Together, we will explore strategic pathways for Taiwanese investment in NRW, examining collaborative opportunities in advanced chip architectures, resilient supply chain integration, hardware-software co-design, and the future of cross-border microelectronics innovation.

Event Details

• Date: Monday, September 07, 2026
• Time: 12:00 - 15:00
• Venue: GumGum Beer & Wings, No. 38, Alley 11, Lane 473, Guangfu S Rd, Xinyi District, Taipei City, 110

Contact

We are currently seeking a Legal Trainee (m/f/d) for the Wahlstation starting in early October 2026 on short notice (duration: 3 to 4 months).

This position offers exciting insights into German-Taiwanese business relations, with a focus on:

• Private law, commercial law, and corporate law
• Advising on German and Taiwanese commercial law issues, as well as company formation in Germany
• Supporting mediation proceedings between German and Taiwanese companies
• Data protection and compliance

Learn more about the trainee position (in German) here!

Contact

Following the success of GrindingHub in Germany, the exhibition series will expand to the United States with the launch of GrindingHub Americas 2027, taking place in Cincinnati, Ohio, from 18–20 May 2027.

Organized by VDW, Messe Stuttgart, and Swissmem, the event will focus on the latest grinding, precision machining, and surface finishing technologies. As the first dedicated grinding technology trade fair in the U.S., GrindingHub Americas offers exhibitors direct access to one of North America's largest manufacturing regions, connecting with thousands of potential buyers, engineers, and decision-makers.

Early Bird rates are available until 31 August 2026.

For more information, please contact Ms. Bo Fung.

Find more information on our website.

Contact

Taiwanese companies are significantly increasing their foreign direct investment (FDI) worldwide, including in Germany. Despite relatively high energy prices and complex regulations in Germany, Taiwanese companies continue to expand their presence in order to strengthen supply chain resilience. In the first half of 2026, Taiwan approved four projects in Germany worth a combined total of US$209 million - already more than double the total volume recorded in 2025.

Meanwhile, German FDI in Taiwan remains relatively modest, reaching just US$11 million in the first half of 2026. However, interest is gradually increasing, with more German companies applying for investment guarantees in Taiwan. While Germany and Taiwan do not have a bilateral investment protection agreement, investments in Taiwan generally qualify for guarantees provided they comply with Taiwanese law and have received the necessary approvals.

Europe, and Germany in particular, is attracting growing Taiwanese investment, with the US$10 billion ESMC semiconductor project in Dresden serving as a flagship example. It is also expected to attract further Taiwanese investment in sectors such as machinery, materials, automation and electronics.

To learn more about Taiwan's investment landscape and the growing opportunities for German companies, read the GTAI article by Dr. Jürgen Maurer (in German).

Hermes Sees Thermal Management Revenue Double as AI Chip Demand Grows

Wafer testing equipment supplier Hermes Testing Solutions said revenue from its thermal management modules is expected to double next year as advanced AI chips require more effective heat dissipation during testing. President Steven Wang, who leads the company, said the technology is already being used in AI GPU production and is expected to expand to TPUs and CPUs next year.

The company has benefited from strong demand for AI and high-performance computing applications, with revenue rising 128% in the first seven months of the year. Hermes is also expanding into advanced packaging, high-speed DRAM testing, and copackaged optics, while analysts expect revenue to continue growing strongly next year.

(26.08.2026 / Taipei Times)

Taiwan and Japan Firms Deepen Cooperation in Semiconductor Materials

Taiwan’s Grand Pacific Petrochemical (GPPC) and Japan’s Air Water Inc. (AWI) have each acquired a 35% stake in specialty gas supplier Hong-Kuang Hi-Tech, becoming its two largest shareholders. The partnership aims to strengthen Taiwan-Japan cooperation in semiconductor specialty materials and meet growing demand for high-purity gases used in chip manufacturing.

The investment supports GPPC’s strategy to expand beyond traditional petrochemicals into specialty chemicals and electronic-grade materials. GPPC also acquired a 23.4% stake in chemical logistics provider i-TRANS Express, further strengthening its position in Taiwan’s semiconductor supply chain.

(26.08.2026 / Focus Taiwan)

Tainan City Announces New Robotics Research Center

Tainan has opened a new robotics research center to support innovation, investment, and industry growth as part of the planned expansion of Liouying High-Tech Industrial Park. City officials said robots and drones will play an increasingly important role in sectors such as manufacturing, defense, and public services.

The center showcased 13 robotics applications, including autonomous mobile, healthcare, and inspection robots. Officials said it will help expand robotics use in healthcare, tourism, and agriculture while accelerating automation and industrial transformation in the region.

(27.08.2026 / Taiwan News)

Taiwan Industrial Output Hits Record High

Taiwan’s industrial production index reached a record high in July, rising 25.6% year-on-year, while manufacturing output increased 26.9%, extending its growth streak to 29 consecutive months.

Output of electronic components grew 22.7%, while production of computers, electronic products, and optical products increased 95.6%, with both sectors setting monthly records. Chen Yu-fang, Deputy Director-General of the MOEA Department of Statistics, said that while global economic growth faces geopolitical uncertainties, strong AI demand, cloud provider investment, and expanding AI infrastructure are expected to support Taiwan’s semiconductor and server supply chains. 

(25.08.2026 / Taiwan News)

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Editing & Research: Christoph Lory, Lukas Schreckenberg
Publisher: German Trade Office Taipei
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