Assistive TechnologyInternational Business and Trade

Tech Giants Accelerate Supply Chain Diversification Away From China Amid Trade Tensions

Major technology firms are actively reducing their reliance on Chinese manufacturing for critical products and infrastructure. According to supply chain sources, these moves come as U.S.-China trade relations remain strained.

Supply Chain Shifts Accelerate

Technology giants Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, and Google are intensifying efforts to move product manufacturing and data center component production outside of China, according to reports from Nikkei citing supply chain sources. The shifts come as geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and China continue to influence global trade patterns, with companies seeking to diversify their manufacturing footprints across other Asian markets.

AI AnalyticsBusiness Software

Microsoft Expands Windows 11 AI Capabilities with Agentic Copilot Features

Microsoft is rolling out significant AI enhancements to Windows 11 following the end of Windows 10 support. The updates include voice-activated Copilot, file analysis capabilities, and new agentic features that work with local files. Company executives suggest these improvements will make AI more intuitive for the platform’s 1.6 billion users worldwide.

Windows 11 AI Expansion

Microsoft is significantly expanding Windows 11 artificial intelligence capabilities with new agentic features that bring AI beyond Copilot+ PCs, according to reports from the company’s recent announcements. The updates come just days after Microsoft ended support for Windows 10, positioning the newer operating system as the primary vehicle for the company’s AI ambitions.

BusinessEnergy Policy

Business Groups Challenge Trump’s $100K H-1B Visa Fee in Legal Battle

The US Chamber of Commerce has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration’s new $100,000 H-1B visa fee. Tech executives including Elon Musk and Satya Nadella oppose the measure, while administration officials defend it as protection for American workers. The legal battle highlights deep divisions over skilled immigration policy.

Legal Challenge to Visa Fee Implementation

The US Chamber of Commerce has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration’s implementation of a $100,000 fee for H-1B visas, according to court documents reviewed by reporters. The business organization, which represents more than 3 million American companies, argues the fee would “inflict significant harm on American businesses” if implemented, forcing them to either dramatically increase labor costs or hire fewer highly skilled employees.

International Business and TradeManufacturing

Microsoft Reportedly Shifting Surface Manufacturing From China Amid Trade Tensions

Microsoft is reportedly preparing to move manufacturing of its Surface laptops and tablets out of China as early as 2026. The tech giant joins Apple in diversifying production away from China amid growing US-China trade tensions and new tariff threats.

Microsoft’s Manufacturing Shift Plans

Microsoft is reportedly preparing to move the manufacturing of its Surface laptops and tablets out of China, according to sources familiar with the matter. The technology giant aims to relocate production of Surface devices and data center servers starting from 2026 at the earliest, according to reports from The Nikkei.