The U.S. government’s push to strengthen its domestic semiconductor industry is showing some results.
According to a recent TechNews report, TSMC revealed to the U.S. Department of Commerce that production of 2nm chips could kick off in the Arizona plant as early as 2028.
This move has set the semiconductor world abuzz. After all, 2nm technology represents the pinnacle of innovation, and bringing it stateside is no small feat. Wu Cheng-Wen, Taiwan’s National Science and Technology Council minister, provided some perspective, hinting that while 2028 is the target, delays to 2029 or even 2030 aren’t off the table.
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Taiwan’s Take: Protecting Home Turf
Naturally, there’s been concern in Taiwan about what this overseas expansion means for its own semiconductor dominance.
Wu Cheng-Wen, minister of Taiwan’s National Science and Technology Council, was quick to address these fears, calling them unfounded. According to TSMC, it doesn’t relocate nodes abroad until they’re well-established at home. Taiwan remains the hub of next-gen semiconductor research, and that isn’t changing anytime soon.
Wu emphasised that both the National Science and Technology Council and the Ministry of Economic Affairs are committed to keeping Taiwan at the forefront of advanced manufacturing.
The message is clear: while TSMC expands globally, Taiwan isn’t losing its edge. For now, the company has stayed mum on the topic, but actions often speak louder than words.
CHIPS Act: Fuelling the Future in Arizona
The U.S. government’s push to strengthen its domestic semiconductor industry is not something just in the air. It has been backed with real money. On November 15 2024, the Department of Commerce finalized a CHIPS Act award of up to $6.6 billion for TSMC. This funding will support the company’s significant investment in Arizona, with the cash flowing in stages as the project develops.
The roadmap is impressive:
- First Fab: Slated to start 4nm production in early 2025.
- Second Fab: Targeting 2028, this facility will roll out state-of-the-art 2nm chips with next-generation nanosheet transistors, alongside previously announced 3nm production.
- Third Fab: Aiming for the end of the decade, it’s set to push even further with 2nm and beyond.
Shifting the Global Semiconductor Landscape
This isn’t just about new factories; it’s about a seismic shift in the semiconductor industry. By investing in U.S. soil, TSMC is bolstering America’s supply chain resilience while reaffirming its global leadership. Yet, Taiwan remains the nerve centre of innovation—a dual strategy that could redefine the future of semiconductors.
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With CHIPS Act funding in play and TSMC’s roadmap clear, the stakes are high. This isn’t just a business move; it’s a pivotal chapter in the global tech race, one that could reshape the industry for years to come.
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