TSMC, the world's largest contract chipmaker, is building a semiconductor fabrication plant in the U.S. state of Arizona. This move is seen as a boost for the U.S. semiconductor industry. However, production costs in the U.S. are 30% higher than in Taiwan, leading to increased prices for TSMC's U.S. clients. Initially, the plant will produce 20,000 wafers per month, serving customers like Apple, Nvidia, AMD, and Qualcomm. Plans for a second phase call for the production of 2nm chips by 2028.
The Taiwan government has prohibited TSMC from building 2nm chip facilities outside of Taiwan, citing concerns about national security and economic competitiveness. The U.S. is actively trying to strengthen its domestic semiconductor industry, aiming to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers like Taiwan. This development highlights the ongoing global competition in the semiconductor sector