TSMC and Intel Collaborate to Establish Chip Factory; Experts Analyze Trump's Clear Intentions
讀後心得
U.S. President Donald Trump imposed a 32% tariff on Taiwan. Although semiconductors have temporarily been exempted, he stated that tariffs would be added to imported semiconductors. Foreign media reported that TSMC and Intel plan to establish a joint venture, with TSMC holding a 20% stake, jointly operating Intel's wafer manufacturing plant in the U.S. Intel's new CEO Pat Gelsinger emphasized the strategy of maintaining both wafer foundry and design operations. Experts believe that the joint venture could lead to the leakage of TSMC's technology and affect its customer base. TSMC declined to comment on the news, but the impact has already been seen in the stock market, with Intel's stock price rising while TSMC's ADR fell.
U.S. President Trump imposed a 32% tariff on Taiwan, and although the semiconductor industry is temporarily exempt, Trump has stated that tariffs on imported semiconductors will be imposed soon. Even more shocking to the market is the news that the U.S. government has facilitated the collaboration between TSMC and Intel, which has not been delayed. The two parties plan to establish a joint venture to jointly operate Intel's wafer fabrication plant in the United States, with TSMC owning 20% of the new company.
The CEO of Intel stated in a speech that they are the only company in the United States that designs and manufactures advanced wafer chips.
The newly appointed CEO of Intel made his first public remarks, expressing ambition with the goal of becoming the best wafer foundry in the future. Less than a week later, news indicated that Intel and TSMC had reached a preliminary agreement to establish a joint venture responsible for the operation of the wafer plant, coincidentally timed after Trump announced the 32% tariff on Taiwan, drawing widespread attention.
Semi-conductor experts pointed out that Trump's tax policy on semiconductors is different from other products, predicting that the tax burden on Taiwan will be significant in the future to force TSMC to accelerate its manufacturing pace in the U.S.
The White House and the Department of Commerce are continuing to promote the agreement between TSMC and Intel, hoping to assist Intel in addressing its long-standing crisis. Although TSMC currently holds a leading position in global technology, the equipment and materials required for advanced processes are still predominantly in the hands of the United States, putting TSMC at a relative disadvantage in negotiations.
Semi-conductor experts indicated that TSMC's 20% stake may pose a risk of technology leakage, which could also affect its customer base, providing little benefit to TSMC. The only advantage might be to potentially avoid potential antitrust investigations from countries around the world.
Currently, TSMC is keeping a low profile regarding market rumors and is refraining from commenting. However, this news has driven Intel's stock price up; despite a overall decline in U.S. stocks, Intel still rose more than 2%, while TSMC's ADR in the U.S. fell over 7%.