This marks a significant shift from past policies designed to safeguard Taiwan’s leadership in semiconductor manufacturing.
However, as Economic Affairs Minister J.W.
Kuo recentlystated, “Those were old-time rules.
Times have changed.”
He emphasized that companies should be free to pursue profitable business opportunities globally, leveraging their own innovations.
Does this mean TSMC will immediately invest billions in a new 2nm mega fab in Arizona?
The answer is not so straightforward.
However, the company’s existing $40+ billion Arizona fab plans appear to be rapidly evolving.
A third fab, dedicated to 2nm or more advanced processes, could become operational before 2030.
These expansions will push TSMC’s total Arizona investment beyond $65 billion.
Meanwhile, Kuo downplayed the potential impact of shifts in US trade policies under incoming president Donald Trump.
He predicted that the proposed tariffs would have minimal effects, given Taiwan’s technological strengths.
An agreement with Japanese authorities is expected soon to solidify these efforts.
