Electronics production growth accelerates on AI demand

Semiconductor Intelligence reports electronics output surged in 2026: Taiwan grew over 100% year-on-year, Japan reached 17.6% in August, the EU 16.9% in July and the US 8.1%. Meanwhile PC shipments fell 20% and smartphones 22% in Q3, with memory costs up 350% on DRAM and flash demand.

• Taiwan electronics output up more than 100% year-on-year for much of 2026
• Japan went from -1.5% in January to 17.6% in August; EU from -10.5% to 16.9%
• Q3 PC shipments fell 20% and smartphone shipments 22% year-on-year
• Memory costs rose 350% over the year to Q3 on DRAM and flash demand