TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Minister of Economic Affairs, J.W. Kuo (郭智輝), addressed the implications of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company's (TSMC) investment on Tuesday (March 4), stating that it is insufficient alone to attract the entire supply chain to the United States. Kuo dismissed concerns about TSMC becoming an "American Semiconductor Company," emphasizing Taiwan's integral role in global chip production. He clarified that TSMC's overseas manufacturing primarily caters to local customer needs.
When asked about the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA, 經濟部) sending Deputy Minister Cynthia Kiang (江文若) to the U.S. in February for tariff-related industries, Kuo clarified that the mission was unrelated to TSMC's expanded investment. He stressed that TSMC's factory establishments in the U.S., Japan, and Germany are not associated with tariffs. Furthermore, Kuo expressed his belief that TSMC's U.S. production in 2028 will not weaken Taiwan's competitive leverage, as foreign investments are part of the company's global strategies.
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (台積電) announced on Tuesday, March 4, a significant investment of at least US$100 billion in the United States to construct three wafer fabrication plants and two advanced packaging units. U.S. President Donald Trump and TSMC Chairman and CEO C.C. Wei (魏哲家) jointly made the announcement at the White House the day prior.