Samsung and TSMC, two major players in the semiconductor industry, are expanding their chip production globally while reserving the production of the most advanced chip fabrication technologies for their respective home countries. In the United States, both companies are preparing for the production of 4nm chips, but the more cutting-edge 2nm chip manufacturing will be carried out in South Korea for Samsung and Taiwan for TSMC.
Samsung is planning to commence the production of 2nm semiconductor chips in South Korea next year as part of a significant investment totaling KRW 500 trillion ($371 billion) by 2047. This investment will be allocated to a “mega-cluster” semiconductor project near Seoul, which includes 13 chip plants and three research facilities spread across various cities in Gyeonggi province. The South Korean government has already confirmed this development, highlighting the country’s commitment to advancing its semiconductor industry.
On the other hand, TSMC, as stated by Mark Liu, the company’s chairman, intends to build chip fabrication plants for 2nm semiconductor chips in science parks located in Hsinchu and Kaohsiung in Taiwan. Furthermore, TSMC is seeking government approvals for another chip plant in Taichung. These strategic moves by TSMC demonstrate its dedication to maintaining its leadership position in advanced chip manufacturing.
Both Samsung and TSMC are strategically positioning themselves to balance global chip production while keeping the most advanced technologies close to home. By expanding their chip production globally, they can cater to the growing demand for semiconductors worldwide. However, by reserving the production of the most advanced chip fabrication technologies for their home countries, they can ensure that they retain a competitive edge in the industry.
In conclusion, Samsung and TSMC’s expansion of chip production globally, coupled with their focus on reserving the production of the most advanced chip fabrication technologies for their respective home countries, underscores their commitment to innovation and maintaining their leadership positions in the semiconductor industry.
