TSMC Isn’t Scared Of CHIPS Act Subsidy Axing

President Trump caused a stir earlier this week by calling for lawmakers to eliminate the Biden-era CHIPS Act, which he described as “a horrible, horrible thing.”

TSMC recently announced a $100 billion U.S. investment, widely seen as a move to preempt potential tariffs on its semiconductor imports. I Photo: 曾 成訓 Wikimedia Commons

So, what does Taiwan’s TSMC, which received $11.6 billion in direct funding and loans under the CHIPS Act, think of this? David Meyer wrote for Fortune’s Data Sheet.

“Even if we don’t get any subsidies at all, we are not afraid of that,” said Chairman and CEO C.C. Wei at a press conference. “Honestly, I only demand fairness.”

Days earlier, TSMC announced a $100 billion U.S. investment, widely seen as a move to preempt potential tariffs on its semiconductor imports.

TSMC, the world’s largest contract chip manufacturer, supplies major companies such as Nvidia and Apple. As part of its latest U.S. commitment, TSMC is finally setting up an R&D lab in the country, but Wei clarified that its “real” next-generation R&D activities will remain in Taiwan.

Did Trump provide TSMC with any guarantees about maintaining CHIPS Act subsidies in light of its latest investment pledge? Wei reportedly dodged the question.

It is important to note that TSMC’s most advanced production facilities remain in Taiwan—a key factor in the country’s defense strategy. Taiwan is banking on the idea that its allies would not want to see China take control of the semiconductor industry’s crown jewels.