TAIPEI (TVBS News) — TSMC Chairman C.C. Wei (魏哲家) met with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi Thursday (Feb. 5) to discuss upgrading the chipmaker's Kumamoto fab to produce 3-nanometer chips.
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. (TSMC, 台積電) confirmed it is considering upgrading the Kumamoto facility's process technology to 3 nanometers, driven by artificial intelligence demand. Taiwan's Minister of Economic Affairs Kung Ming-hsin (龔明鑫) responded that TSMC's shift addresses increasing client demand, adding that the most advanced techniques still remain in Taiwan.
The move marks Japan's entry into advanced chip manufacturing, a significant development for the global semiconductor industry. Kung emphasized that Taiwan will retain its most advanced technology domestically, ensuring the island's global leadership in cutting-edge semiconductor processes.
The Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA, 經濟部) Department of Investment Review (投審會) has yet to receive a revised application from TSMC. The application concerns the investment increase to US$17 billion (around NT$538.6 billion) and the transition to 3-nanometer technology for the Kumamoto plant.
In related news, Micron announced a US$18 billion (around NT$570.2 billion) cash acquisition of Powerchip's Tongluo plant. Kung welcomed Micron's expansion and technology transfer in Taiwan, saying it will help fill supply chain gaps. ◼
