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TSMC Announces Intention to Build and Operate Advanced Semiconductor Fab in U.S.

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11–20 of 438 posts

Re: TSMC Announces Intention to Build and Operate Advanced Semiconductor Fab in U.S.

#11
At least one component of the "America First" strategy I can fully get behind is bringing manufacturing back to the US mainline. If anything that last few months has taught us, it's that we must not lose our ability to produce quality, vital products. Semiconductors definitely falls into that category.

I don't care how it's accomplished, either carrots (tax incentives) or sticks (tariffs). Do what's necessary to bring the production of these vital components here.

Re: TSMC Announces Intention to Build and Operate Advanced Semiconductor Fab in U.S.

#12
Has been under discussion for some time: "Mark Liu, the chairman of TSMC, said he had recently discussed options for a new factory in the United States with the Commerce Department. The stumbling block was money; major subsidies would be required, he said, as it is more expensive to operate in America than Taiwan." (https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/25/technology/pentagon-taiwa...)

Re: TSMC Announces Intention to Build and Operate Advanced Semiconductor Fab in U.S.

#14

Why are fabs being built in az?

Intel has a big AZ presence, I wonder why AZ specifically. Maybe climate? Maybe so TSMC can poach some talent? It's a really great question and if anyone has specifics I hope they chime in.

Probably also a pretty good existing ecosystem of 3rd party contractors and suppliers that support the Intel fabs and would be happy to do business with TSMC as well.

edit: also, a minor quibble: I wish we'd get away from calling it "poaching", as if there is anything illegal or immoral about employers competing for employees.

Re: TSMC Announces Intention to Build and Operate Advanced Semiconductor Fab in U.S.

#15
This is interesting. Right now TSMC seems to provide Taiwan with guaranteed US protection because they are so far ahead technologically. Apple, AMD, and the defense industry have little alternative if they want a cutting edge node. It's unclear how long they will maintain this dominance.

Maybe the long term US-Taiwan ties of factories in the US will make this worth it strategically.

I assume that all R&D will remain in Taiwan. I think this might still be a good move in the long run since it'll give more politicians stake in what happens to Taiwan (Arizona senators, etc).

Re: TSMC Announces Intention to Build and Operate Advanced Semiconductor Fab in U.S.

#16

At least one component of the "America First" strategy I can fully get behind is bringing manufacturing back to the US mainline. If anything that last few months has taught us, it's that we must not lose our ability to produce quality, vital products. Semiconductors definitely falls into that category. I don't care how it's accomplished, either carrots (tax incentives) or sticks (tariffs). Do what's necessary to brin…

Taxpayer-funded state-directed economic activity?

Re: TSMC Announces Intention to Build and Operate Advanced Semiconductor Fab in U.S.

#17

Why are fabs being built in az?

AZ has been a semiconductor hub for decades. Intel, Motorola, ON and many others produce chips there. There is huge infrastructure and talent base for semiconductor manufacturing. Geographically, Chandler as a suburb of Phoenix has consistent weather, relatively cheap land, and access to water - as counter-intuitive as it sounds. I did my PhD in semiconductors at ASU and there might has well been a bus direct from the University to Intel.

Keep in mind, we're talking about PRODUCTION, not R&D. R&D happens elsewhere, this is just where the big plants go.

Re: TSMC Announces Intention to Build and Operate Advanced Semiconductor Fab in U.S.

#18

Why are fabs being built in az?

Business friendly state that has low oversight into what goes into our environment. We have an EPA superfund site near an old Motorola plant.

Santa Clara County is full of Superfund sites from old semiconductor factories so there's nothing new there.

Re: TSMC Announces Intention to Build and Operate Advanced Semiconductor Fab in U.S.

#19
post #15

This is interesting. Right now TSMC seems to provide Taiwan with guaranteed US protection because they are so far ahead technologically. Apple, AMD, and the defense industry have little alternative if they want a cutting edge node. It's unclear how long they will maintain this dominance. Maybe the long term US-Taiwan ties of factories in the US will make this worth it strategically. I assume that all R&D will remain…

What does the defense industry need a cutting-edge node for? Better drone battery life?

Re: TSMC Announces Intention to Build and Operate Advanced Semiconductor Fab in U.S.

#20

Why are fabs being built in az?

> Why are fabs being built in az?

If you are asking about Intel ones, and ones owned by the defence hardware industry, it is the same reason why China is building their fabs as far inland as Xian, and other obscure and scattered across places: they are harder to bomb there.

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