Former TSMC exec urges Taiwan-US cooperation on chip tariffs

A former Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) executive Yang Guang-lei called for stronger Taiwan-US cooperation if tariffs are imposed on Taiwan-made semiconductors.

On Jan. 27, former US President Donald Trump proposed tariffs of up to 100%, which Yang suggested aim to push foreign firms to invest in US manufacturing.

Yang warned that higher costs for Taiwan-made chips could hurt competitiveness and benefit rivals like Samsung and Chinese firms while disrupting US supply chains.

He urged Taiwan to collaborate with the US in areas like AI-driven production, military-grade semiconductors, and specialized chip development.

Recent Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. developments

Timeline
10-Feb-2025 📈 TSMC growth slows as DeepSeek fuels AI competition TSMC reports 36% revenue growth for January. AI market volatility raises competition concerns.
21-Jan-2025 🌍 TSMC operations resume after Taiwan earthquake TSMC confirms all facilities are operational. Minor damage, workers evacuated as precaution.
20-Jan-2025 🇺🇸 TSMC confident in CHIPS Act funding under Trump TSMC confident in US funding under Trump Set to receive $6.6B for Arizona chip plants
18-Jan-2025 🚧 TSMC faces delays at Arizona chip plant TSMC faces delays in Arizona chip plant construction Regulatory issues and skilled labor shortages hinder progress
17-Jan-2025 🏗️ TSMC to build supply chain in Arizona to cut costs TSMC invests $65B in Arizona chip facilities Seeks US support for local supply chain development
17-Jan-2025 📊 TSMC expects 26% sales growth in 2025 TSMC forecasts 24-26% sales growth for 2025 Driven by high demand for AI applications