CNBC AI News, August 6th – Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), the world’s largest and most advanced foundry, is facing mounting pressure. While reports of a potential 2nm process technology theft have surfaced, an even more significant challenge looms: demands from the U.S. that could significantly impact its financial resources.
Recent U.S. tariff proposals place Taiwan under a potential 20% levy, exceeding the 15% applied to South Korea and Japan. This disparity could disadvantage Taiwanese exports to the U.S., prompting calls for negotiations to at least match the 15% rate enjoyed by its regional competitors.
However, securing favorable tariff terms may come at a steep price. Initial speculation suggested the U.S. was seeking a 49% stake in Intel or a $400 billion investment in the United States. While the equity stake in Intel has been refuted, the investment requirement remains a subject of intense scrutiny and speculation.
Current reports indicate the potential investment figure is closer to $300 billion, earmarked for the construction of a massive, state-of-the-art fabrication plant in Arizona. This facility is projected to be the largest of its kind globally and will likely house production of cutting-edge technologies, including future 2nm and even 1.4nm processes.
Even at $300 billion, the commitment represents a substantial strain on TSMC, exceeding 30 times the company’s equity. Prior to this, TSMC had already committed $165 billion to its U.S. expansion, including multiple fabs and advanced packaging facilities in Arizona, signaling a significant shift towards domestic U.S. manufacturing.
TSMC offered a terse response earlier today, stating, “The company has no comment on the rumors at this time. Please refer to company announcements for relevant information.” The company’s silence fuels further speculation about the ongoing negotiations and the potential long-term impact on the semiconductor giant’s global strategy.
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