TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Industry experts suggested Taiwan might expand manufacturing in the U.S. and strengthen semiconductor ties with Japan and South Korea on Wednesday (Feb. 12).
In late January, U.S. President Donald Trump threatened tariffs on Taiwanese semiconductor products, aiming to leverage negotiations. In anticipation of Trump's tariffs, Taiwan's Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs, Cynthia Kiang (江文若), arrived in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday in the hopes of further discussions with Trump's team.
According to Financial Times (金融時報), Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC, 台積電) might relocate its advanced semiconductor packaging technology to the U.S., which could benefit its long-term revenue. Former TSMC North America business manager Chang Chia-hao (張家豪) emphasized the importance of negotiating a win-win situation, noting that the U.S. relies on Taiwan.
Two U.S. semiconductor industry analysts explained that Trump's tariff threat serves as a negotiation strategy. If implemented, Taiwanese Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) and Original Design Manufacturers (ODM) could face impacts, though U.S. importers might ultimately absorb the costs. TSMC's increased investment in the U.S. appears to be the most likely development, aligning with the Trump administration's expectations, experts predict.
