Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC, 台積電) plans to mass produce advanced 3-nanometer chips in Kumamoto in southern Japan with an investment of US$17 billion, Japanese newspaper the Yomiuri Shimbun reported today.
Japan's government, which has subsidized Taiwan's leading chipmaker to build out capacity in Kyushu, is considering additional support for the new investment plan, the Yomiuri reported.
TSMC had aimed to invest US$12.2 billion on 6-nanometer to 12-nanometer chipmaking capacity at its second fab in Kyushu, but would discuss changes to the plan with Japan's government, the Yomiuri reported.
Photo: Reuters
TSMC executives were to visit the Japanese prime minister's office today.
The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
TSMC said on an earnings call last month that the construction of its second fab in Japan had started, and "the technologies and ramp schedule will be based on our customers' need and market conditions."
TSMC makes its 3-nanometer chips in Taiwan, and plans to begin producing them at its second fab in Arizona in 2027.
Japan is also heavily subsidizing homegrown foundry venture Rapidus Corp, which aims to produce cutting-edge chips on the northern island of Hokkaido.
The government has determined that the two companies' chips would have different uses and would not be in competition, the Yomiuri reported.
Securing access to chips, which are critical for electronics, automotive and defense industries, has become a priority for governments around the world.
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