Global Scans · Manufacturing · Weekly Summary

• [New] In 2025, AI voice changers will be more human, faster, and adaptable - thanks to neural networks and machine learning models. Smallest.ai
• [New] Canada's methane regulations, once finalized, could create 34,000 new jobs across the country-supporting manufacturing in the east and energy services in the west. Environmental Defense Fund
• [New] Battery recycler Redwood Materials has begun operations at a $3.5 billion factory in South Carolina that will supply critical minerals for domestic supply chains. National Law Review
• [New] Toyota plans to invest $912 million to increase the output of hybrid vehicles and components across five states, as part of a broader $10 billion investment over the next five years to support U.S. production. National Law Review
• [New] The Nexperia supply disruption serves as a warning shot for global supply chains, and dependence on China for certain raw materials and technology is likely to increase risk for global automakers. National Law Review
• [New] U.S. factory activity slowed to a four-month low in November as higher prices because of tariffs on imports restrained demand, leading to a piling up of unsold goods that could hinder growth in the overall economy. Economic Times
• [New] Foxconn plans to invest between $1 billion and $5 billion to expand its US manufacturing footprint and expects to assemble up to 2,000 AI server racks per week by 2026. Tech Startups - Tech News, Tech Trends & Startup Fundin
• [New] Technological advancements, such as the transition to gate-all-around transistors for 2 nm manufacturing processes, will be pivotal in 2026, promising lower power consumption and improved performance. The Chronicle-Journal
• [New] Global semiconductor sales are projected to reach a record $700.9 billion, an 11.2% year-over-year increase, propelled by AI and advanced manufacturing. FinancialContent
• [New] EV battery prices are expected to drop nearly 50% by the end of 2025, driven by improvements in manufacturing efficiency and material sourcing. Power Integrations
• Asia Pacific will exhibit the highest CAGR as a result of increasing consumer electronics demand, favorable government policies, and growing IoT deployment in industries such as healthcare and agriculture. Polaris
• China will issue general export licenses for rare earths, gallium, germanium, graphite, and antimony-materials essential for chipmaking, battery production, and a broad swath of industrial components found in vehicles, electronics, and renewable energy infrastructure. Grand Pinnacle Tribune
• If passed, the GAIN AI Act could reshape global supply chains, fragment GPU markets by region, and spark new incentive programs for domestic chip manufacturing. Tech Startups - Tech News, Tech Trends & Startup Fundin
• Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) (TWSE: 2330) alone produces over 90% of the world's most advanced logic chips. FinancialContent
• By 2050, robots will likely feature advanced AI, seamless human-robot communication, energy-autonomous operation, self-programming capabilities, and integration with emerging technologies we can barely imagine today. AsappStudio
• Tesla's AI roadmap, including Cybercab and Optimus robots, aims to unlock $1 trillion in valuation by 2026 through autonomous mobility and industrial automation. Ainvest
• Chinese EV maker XPeng has unveiled its Iron humanoid robot and plans to mass-produce it by late 2026, potentially outpacing Tesla's timeline. Ainvest
• As geopolitical risk, trade friction, and industrial policy realignment continue to redefine globalization, Vietnam and Mexico are emerging as the new frontiers of chip manufacturing and advanced electronics assembly - signaling the most significant reordering of global supply chains in decades. Dynamic Global Insights
• IDC projects 41.6 billion connected IoT devices by 2025, producing nearly 79 zettabytes of data per year. Edge AI and Vision Alliance
• Digital transformation in 2025 will be driven by data security, AI, cloud computing, remote work, 5G, customer experience, IoT, sustainability, and blockchain technology. SMS-iT Blog
• Both factors will significantly influence final production totals and the composition of Australia's 2025/26 grain supply. Australian Rural & Regional News
• China is expected to lead the regional growth with a projected CAGR of 11.5%, propelled by government support for domestic carbon fiber production, expanding aircraft manufacturing, and rapid EV adoption. openpr
• Already tested in data collected from 3142 counties in United States, machine learning models seem to explain 79% of the variance in obesity prevalence, with promising potential for future studies. PubMed Central (PMC)

Last updated: 23 November 2025