Despite challenges from geopolitical tensions and tariff uncertainties, the global notebook market is showing signs of recovery in 2025. TrendForce reports that notebooks currently continue to enjoy U.S. tariff exemptions when imported from Southeast Asia. Combined with earlier supply chain relocation to the region in response to U.S. tariff measures under the Trump administration, production capacity has now gradually come online. This will help drive notebook shipments to grow by 2.2% YoY in 2025, surpassing 180 million units.
TrendForce’s latest investigations reveal that the massive data volumes generated by AI are straining the global infrastructure of data center storage. Nearline HDDs, traditionally the backbone of large-scale data storage, are now facing severe supply shortages, pushing high-performance yet higher-cost SSDs into the market spotlight. In particular, shipments of high-capacity QLC SSDs could see explosive growth in 2026.
TrendForce’s latest investigations reveal that global smartphone production reached 300 million units in 2Q25, up 4% QoQ and 4.8% YoY, driven by seasonal demand and the recovery of brands such as Oppo and Transsion following inventory adjustments. While macroeconomic headwinds continue to dampen demand for consumer electronics, the upcoming peak season and e-commerce promotions are expected to support sequential growth through the second half of the year.
TrendForce’s latest report, “Global EV Inverter Market Data,” reveals that global installations of EV traction inverters reached 7.66 million units in 2Q25, up 19% YoY, buoyed by strong BEV sales. BEVs accounted for 52% of installations, once again taking the lead since 1Q24 and surpassing the combined share of hybrids, including HEVs, PHEVs, and REEVs.
Micro LED penetration in consumer electronics is accelerating. Following Samsung’s launch of its 140-inch Micro LED TV in 2023, Garmin is set to introduce the Fenix 8 Pro smartwatch with Micro LED in 2025, alongside Sony Honda’s planned 30-inch automotive display in its Afeela model at the end of the same year. These milestone products mark Micro LED’s entry into key application segments. TrendForce believes their rollout will gradually boost the Micro LED chip market revenue, which is projected to reach US$461 million by 2029.