Recent #TSMC news in the semiconductor industry
➀ TSMC is scheduled to start producing 2nm GAA wafers in the fourth quarter of 2025 at its Fab 20 factory in Hsinchu, with a capacity of 30k wpm, followed by the Fab 22 factory in Kaohsiung, also with a capacity of 30k wpm, starting production in the first quarter of 2026.
➁ N2P production will begin at the end of 2026, but without the previously announced backside power delivery.
➂ The N2 and N2P processes will use TSMC's NanoFlex technology, allowing chip designers to mix and match units from different libraries (high-performance, low-power, area-efficient) on the same design.
➀ Wang Hong Wu Min-Qiu states that the US will undoubtedly demand TSMC to replicate and produce 5nm and even 2nm processes in the US, which is the true meaning of protectionist policy, and TSMC may not have the capital to say no.
➁ Wu Min-Qiu points out that although Taiwan has strict regulations on semiconductor technology exports, including restrictions from N-2 to N-1, under the dual considerations of the US' full-fledged development of AI and the tense situation across the Taiwan Strait, the best protection for the US is to require TSMC to replicate and produce its most advanced processes in the US.
➂ Regarding TSMC's technological advantages, Wu Min-Qiu analyzes that the key to TSMC's ability to achieve much higher yields than US manufacturers at the same process node lies in its powerful mathematical team, which uses AI big data analysis to produce and manufacture processes, quickly shortening the learning curve.
➀ TSMC is said to be ending 7nm and more advanced chip shipments to Chinese firms, possibly due to concerns about these companies being proxies for Huawei.
➁ The halt in shipments is expected to impact companies using TSMC's technology for AI, smartphones, and automotive chips.
➂ The suspension is set to begin on November 11, and negotiations with the U.S. Department of Commerce are anticipated.
➃ The move is seen as a potential negative impact on TSMC's revenues, but is expected to be offset by increased demand from U.S. firms.
➄ No evidence has been presented linking Huawei to any illicit activities, but the company has been reported to be recruiting TSMC engineers with offers of triple their current salaries.
➅ Despite the efforts, Huawei has not yet succeeded in this recruitment, and the trade channels of the involved Chinese firms seem to have been severed.
➀ TSMC is considering raising prices for its in-demand 3nm process and CoWoS advanced packaging technology to meet the huge demand.
➁ TSMC plays a crucial role in the manufacturing of high-performance computing and cloud AI chips, with a significant demand for its advanced processes and packaging technologies.
➂ Reportedly, TSMC plans to implement the price increase in 2025 with NVIDIA's approval, affecting the entire supply chain.
➀ The semiconductor market is experiencing a mixed situation with some companies thriving and others struggling.
➁ ASML's stock price continues to fall due to challenges in the market and geopolitical uncertainties.
➂ BESI's revenue and orders have grown significantly, but the company is facing challenges in the mainstream and Chinese packaging equipment markets.
➃ Lam Research has reported strong financial results, driven by strong demand for advanced logic and DRAM in Asia.
➄ Teradyne's revenue increased due to robust performance in its semiconductor testing business.
➅ ASM International's order book exceeded analyst expectations, driven by strong demand for AI chip key technologies.
➆ KLA's revenue and earnings exceeded expectations, and the company is optimistic about the semiconductor market's growth in 2025.
➇ SK Hynix achieved record profits and sales due to strong sales of high-end AI memory products like HBM.
➈ TSMC's third-quarter profit increased significantly, driven by strong demand for AI chips.
➉ United Microelectronics Corporation reported better financial results compared to Force Microelectronics Inc.
➊ Infineon and Texas Instruments have different views on the automotive semiconductor market, with Infineon predicting a slowdown and Texas Instruments remaining optimistic.
➀ Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger expressed optimism about the company's future after the earnings call.
➁ Intel revealed $15.9 billion in non-cash charges related to inventory write-downs and lower performance expectations.
➂ Gelsinger emphasized the importance of the CHIPS Act and criticized the delay in receiving funding.
➀ Domestic smartphone brands such as vivo, OPPO, OnePlus, and Xiaomi have released new models, with prices increasing.
➁ The increase in prices is attributed to the rising cost of processors, particularly from Qualcomm and MediaTek.
➂ TSMC, as the dominant player in the semiconductor industry, has been hiking its manufacturing prices, driving up the costs for smartphone brands.
➃ The demand for 3nm process chips is strong, with major tech companies like Apple and NVIDIA placing large orders with TSMC.
➄ The rising costs are not translating into increased profits for smartphone brands, with most of the profit going to TSMC and Qualcomm.
➀ TSMC announced the launch of its 12-inch wafer factory in India, a joint venture with Tata Group.
➁ The factory, located in Gujarat, is set to receive $11 billion in investments and aims to create over 20,000 high-tech jobs.
➂ TSMC will provide technology transfer and training, while Tata Group and the Indian government will fund the investment.