讀後心得

U.S. President Donald Trump imposed a 32% tariff on Taiwanese products. Although semiconductors are temporarily exempt, he stated that tariffs may be imposed on them in the future. Other reports indicate that the U.S. government facilitated a collaboration between TSMC and Intel to establish a joint venture, which will operate Intel's wafer fabrication plant in the U.S., with TSMC holding a 20% stake. Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger emphasized maintaining a dual strategy of wafer foundry and chip design. Experts analyze that this cooperation may affect TSMC's technology and market position, while TSMC has remained low-key and refrained from commenting on market rumors.

The U.S. President recently announced a 32% tariff on Taiwan, and although semiconductor products are temporarily exempt, he stated that tariffs on imported semiconductors will soon be increased. More concerningly, foreign media reported that the U.S. government is promoting cooperation between TSMC and Intel, with both parties planning to establish a joint venture. The joint venture will jointly operate Intel's wafer manufacturing plant in the U.S., with TSMC holding a 20% stake in the company.

The new CEO of Intel emphasized in a speech that they are the only company in the U.S. that designs and manufactures advanced wafer chips simultaneously.

The CEO of Intel expressed ambitions to become the best wafer foundry. Shortly thereafter, reports emerged that Intel and TSMC had reached a preliminary agreement to jointly establish a joint venture and operate a wafer plant, a news that caused market turmoil after the President announced high tariffs on Taiwan.

Experts point out that while TSMC is technically ahead globally, the equipment and materials required for its advanced processes are primarily held by the U.S., giving TSMC limited leverage in these negotiations. The joint venture allows TSMC to hold a small amount of shares, but the substantive goal is to acquire TSMC's technology and move chip manufacturing back to the U.S.

Experts analyze that TSMC's shares might lead to a leakage of its technology, which could affect its customer base and negatively impact its business prospects. Nevertheless, such cooperation might also help TSMC avoid potential antitrust investigations in the future.

Currently, TSMC has not responded to these rumors, but the news has helped Intel's stock price rise even amidst a significant drop in the U.S. stock market, while TSMC's ADR in the U.S. has fallen.