King Yuan Electronics Co. (KYEC), a leading Taiwanese firm specialising in semiconductor testing and packaging, has decided to divest its entire stake in its subsidiary located in Suzhou, China. This strategic exit from mainland China's semiconductor market is reportedly driven by the escalating geopolitical tensions and tightening U.S. technology restrictions that have impacted the industry.

King Yuan Electronics Co., Ltd. (KYEC) has disposed of its 92.1619% stake in King Long Technology (Suzhou) Ltd. (KLT) to a consortium of investors, including King Legacy Investments Limited and several others for a total sale price of approximately NT$21.715 billion according to an announcement they made in their official website.

KYEC's decision is expected to be finalised by the third quarter of this year. The move is seen as a response to the changing dynamics in the global semiconductor supply chain, particularly the increased scrutiny and regulatory pressures that have arisen amid U.S.-China technological and trade conflicts.

The sale is set to substantially impact KYEC's financial position. The estimated gain from the disposal after long-term investment costs and related taxes and other effects is approximately NT$3.827 billion, raising the earnings per share to approximately NT$3.13, with significant implications for earnings and book value per share. The proceeds will enable substantial dividends for shareholders and reinvestment in advanced semiconductor testing technology in Taiwan.The proceeds from this sale will be directed towards enhancing KYEC's capabilities in advanced semiconductor testing technology, with KYEC's focus on enhancing its competitive stance in high-end product testing for sectors like AI and HPC, emphasising efficiency and innovation.

The decision underscores a broader trend among Taiwanese semiconductor firms, which are increasingly reconsidering their investments and operations in China due to the complex interplay of business risks and geopolitical factors.

This development is a clear indicator of the ongoing realignment within the semiconductor industry, as companies navigate through the complexities of international politics and market forces. It also highlights the strategic shifts companies are making to ensure resilience and sustainability in a sector critical to the global technology ecosystem.