Global shipment volume of optical transceivers is projected to more than triple from 26.5 million units in 2023 to over 92 million units by 2026, according to TrendForce’s latest AI infrastructure research. This massive market opportunity—combined with geopolitical factors—is driving a restructuring of the global optical communications supply chain. It is also accelerating outsourcing strategies among U.S. vendors in Southeast Asia, creating an entry point for non-traditional technology players to move into AI optical communications.
TrendForce’s latest foundry industry findings point out that AI demand has surged rapidly since 2023, leading to capacity bottlenecks in 3 nm–2 nm wafers and 2.5D/3D advanced packaging. The shortage of CoWoS has persisted, extending upstream to production equipment and downstream to substrates, packaging materials, and other critical components.
The global solid-state battery (SSB) sector recorded over 57 financing deals between 2025 and 1Q26, with 46 companies securing new funding, according to TrendForce’s latest “Global Solid-State Battery Industry Development Report (1Q26)”. Total disclosed financing exceeded US$1.3 billion (approximately CNY 9.7 billion), with technology development primarily focused on sulfide-based and polymer/oxide composite electrolytes.
TrendForce’s latest research shows that the MLCC market in 2Q26 is showing a clear split between robust AI-driven demand and soft consumer demand. The U.S.–Iran conflict has pushed up oil and natural gas prices, driving higher energy and transportation costs. Consumer price indexes (CPI) across major economies rose in March, with inflation expected to intensify and weigh on end-market demand and corporate capital spending.
Direct-to-Cell technology is rapidly maturing as global mobile communications standards 3GPP Release 17 and Release 18 continue to incorporate satellite communications. TrendForce’s findings indicate that satellite operators are shifting from traditional satellite broadband services to direct satellite connectivity for smartphones. The global market is projected to reach US$7.6 billion in 2026, representing approximately 49% YoY growth.
