TECH

Taiwanese chip giant TSMC will build factory in the US

Taiwanese electronic chip giant TSMC, Apple's largest supplier, announced on Friday (15) that it will invest$ 12 billion in a new factory in the United States, which will create thousands of jobs.
The announcement is a victory for President Donald Trump, who has pressured major chip makers to settle in the United States.
Construction of the plant in Arizona is scheduled to begin in 2021. Production of smaller and faster 5-nanometer chips will begin in 2024, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) reported.
"This project is of critical and strategic importance... (to) major American companies manufacture their cutting-edge semiconductor products in the United States, " according to the company's statement.
"TSMC appreciates the ongoing and solid partnership with the U.S. administration and the state of Arizona on this project," he added.
The company says the plant will generate 1,600 jobs - and thousands more via subcontracting - and will produce 20,000 semiconductor parts per month.
Founded in 1987 by Morris Chang, one of Taiwan'S most respected entrepreneurs, TSMC produces the processors that provide the computing power for everything from iPhones, laptops and game consoles to servers and critical internet infrastructure.
The company, the world's largest microchip manufacturer, recently invested in the field of artificial intelligence and cryptocurrencies.
Trump is determined to reduce his country's dependence on Asia, especially in the semiconductor field, due to tensions with China on issues of trade, tariffs, industrial espionage and national security.
Most of TSMC's production centers are located in Taiwan. Arizona will be the group's second factory in the United States.
TSMC claims to have received support from the United States government and the state of Arizona, without providing details. It also did not say where exactly the factory will be built.

AFP