TSMC went to the United States to build a factory, and it was a fact that it went to the United States to build a 5nm factory. There were rumors that TSMC would also set up a 3nm factory in the United States, but it has not been confirmed. Now, when TSMC founder Zhang Zhongmou was interviewed, it has confirmed that he would go to the United States to build a 3nm factory.
What did Zhang Zhongmou say about building a 3nm factory in the United States? However, TSMC knows that the cost of building a factory in the United States is high, why does it still choose to build an advanced factory in the United States?
What Zhang Zhongmou said
November 21, on Monday, Zhang Zhongmou said in an interview with the media that TSMC plans to set up a 3nm wafer factory in Arizona .
It is understood that on December 6, the 12-inch wafer factory (5nm process) built by TSMC in Arizona will hold a moving ceremony, and Zhang Zhongmou and his wife will also attend in person. Regarding this matter, Zhang Zhongmou was interviewed by the media on Monday and answered related questions.
When asked if TSMC could transfer the most advanced 3nm process to the United States? Zhang Zhongmou gave a positive answer. He also said that TSMC has a plan (on this matter), but it has not been completely finalized. It should be said that it is almost finalized. The location of the factory is still in Arizona.
Zhang Zhongmou explained: "3nm is the second stage, and 5nm is the first stage." This means that the next step will be to complete the second stage of factory construction plan in Arizona, and this plan has basically been decided.
Why do you still go to the United States to build an advanced factory even though you know the cost is high?
As early as when the United States invited TSMC to build a factory in the United States, Zhang Zhongmou once said: Setting up a branch in the United States to build chip , lack of perfect supply chain and talents, TSMC will make it boring! Moreover, he has repeatedly emphasized that the cost of building a factory in the United States is high, at least 50%. Although
has been called on many times, Zhang President Zhang's attitude has changed now. TSMC has become more enthusiastic about choosing to build factories in the United States and has to go to the United States to build a 3nm factory.
First of all, Zhang Zhongmou is not opposed to going to the United States to build a factory.
At the end of November, he said: He clearly knew that the cost of producing in the United States was at least 50% higher, but I was not so repulsive to transfer some advanced chips, , to the "branch" of the US market to produce! Zhang Zhongmou changed his previous attitude of "singing bad" and became non-rejection, and his attitude changed so sadly.
Secondly, TSMC is very enthusiastic about building factories in the United States. The
5nm factory is about to be completed and will start construction in 2024, and a large number of transportation talents will begin. In early November, the first batch of engineers had been transported, with about 300 people. Next, it will be divided into at least 6 batches, and it is estimated that about 1,000 production line engineers, together with their family and relatives, will continue to be transported to the US branch.
Moreover, TSMC has almost finalized plans for the construction of the second phase of the 3nm factory in the United States.
Knowing that the cost of building a factory in the United States is high, why is TSMC so active?
TSMC's "motivation" was mobilized, objectively speaking, it is inseparable from three reasons.
First, the reasons for the market and customer focus
knows that American companies account for about 70% of TSMC's revenue, and the production capacity of advanced processes is almost all orders from American companies. At this stage, the United States is willing to engage in "Mei Chip and Mei Manufacturing", which has led some American companies to move their supply chains. For example, Apple stated last week that it plans to purchase chips from local factories to establish a local supply chain circle.
Moreover, Apple is TSMC's largest customer and also revealed that it "intentionally supports TSMC", so it is highly likely that it will provide chip orders for TSMC's Arizona factory.
In addition, there are reports that the self-developed chips used in the Tesla electric vehicle system of Musk are also intended to be handed over to TSMC for foundry manufacturing. Presumably, the positive response of these customers is the driving force that prompts TSMC to actively go to the United States to build advanced factories.
Secondly, the chip subsidy bill may also have some motivation
In August 2022, the US's "2022 Chip and Science Act" has been issued and put into effect, of which 52.7 billion US dollars will be given subsidies to chip companies that build factories in the United States.On the surface, subsidies are all for local companies, but some subsidies are still given to other chip companies, and it is reasonable to TSMC to deduct points.
Moreover, TSMC can not only get cash subsidies, but also establish a better supply relationship with US companies, which is also a matter of "the best of both worlds".
Third, the influence of technology
TSMC Chairman Liu Deyin , has repeatedly stated that its company pursues the ultimate energy efficiency and maintains technological leadership, which is temporarily inseparable from American technology.
Of course, since more American technologies are used, they will be limited by people. For example, TSMC still needs to import advanced equipment, EDA, advanced materials, etc., and most of them cannot do without American technology. If TSMC does not actively cooperate, it is likely that will be cut off by .
Therefore, at this time, TSMC chose to actively go to the United States to build factories, and it is very important to make such a statement.
Summary
Of course, TSMC's choice has actually broken the "iron law" set by its company before: advanced technology remains in Taiwan Province. However, as for what results can be obtained in the end, we can only say that cooperation with US companies will be strengthened in the short term and obtain more US companies' orders.
is not a good thing in the long run. After all, everyone knows the hearts of the United States. It is more jealous of TSMC's advanced process technology and core technical talents.
