The upcoming opening ceremony for TSMC’s new semiconductor fabrication plant in Arizona is generating buzz, not just for its significance in the US semiconductor industry, but also for the possibility of a high-profile political showdown. Rumors are circulating that both President Biden and President-elect Trump may attend the event, scheduled for the first week of December. While TSMC hasn’t confirmed the attendance of either president, reports from DigiTimes suggest that Taiwan’s Minister of Economic Affairs, Kuo Chi-hui, recently indicated a “very good ceremony” in December 2024. This follows reports that President Biden attended the initial groundbreaking ceremony for the facility. The speculation about President-elect Trump’s potential attendance gains traction considering his recent electoral victory and his focus on bringing manufacturing back to the United States.
TSMC’s presence in the US is a major step in the country’s efforts to regain its dominance in the semiconductor industry. The Taiwanese tech giant, a vital player in the global semiconductor market, is crucial for tech giants like Apple, AMD, Intel, NVIDIA, and Qualcomm, who rely on TSMC for their cutting-edge chip production. With TSMC establishing its presence in the US, it provides a vital lifeline for these companies and strengthens the US’s semiconductor supply chain, reducing its dependence on foreign manufacturers.
The event is expected to attract significant attention, especially considering the political landscape. The potential appearance of both President Biden and President-elect Trump would highlight the importance of semiconductor production to the US and the ongoing efforts to bolster domestic manufacturing capabilities.
Beyond the political spectacle, the ceremony marks a significant milestone for TSMC and its Arizona facility. The fab is already in the planning stages for producing next-generation HPC chips for AMD using TSMC’s 5nm process node, with production slated to begin in 2025. Apple, the first customer of the new facility, is already producing A16 processors for its iPhone 16 series, with shipments expected to begin before the end of 2024.
TSMC is also in discussions with multiple clients to utilize its Arizona facility, with AMD expected to be the next major customer. NVIDIA and Intel are also potential clients, highlighting the growing demand for US-based chip production.
The opening of TSMC’s Arizona fab represents a significant step towards the US regaining its manufacturing dominance. It’s a testament to the country’s commitment to strengthening its semiconductor industry and ensuring self-reliance in this critical technology sector. The event is expected to be a watershed moment for the industry, and the potential for both President Biden and President-elect Trump to attend only adds to the intrigue.
