A Taiwanese investigation into the possible theft of chip technology at Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. is putting a low-profile, lesser-known tech linchpin in Japan under unusual scrutiny.

Upcoming tariffs of 100 per cent on foreign-made semiconductors are creating further uncertainties for the second half of 2025. Several tech industry executives told me they have modest expectations for the remainder of the year — traditionally a peak season for many sectors.

Taiwan government says it has detained three employees on suspicion they obtained the Taiwanese chip giant’s “core technology trade secrets.”