According to the latest report from Reuters, TSMC is planning to build the world’s top 3nm or even 2nm process chip factory in Arizona, United States. The report claims that this factory will cost tens of billions of dollars. Prior to this, global leading chip manufacturers such as TSMC and Samsung have all reported plans to set up factories in the United States. In March of this year, it was reported that TSMC planned to build six 5nm process chip factories in Arizona. On the other hand, Samsung is planning to invest in a 3nm chip factory in Texas, USA. If this rumor is true, the United States may become the “battlefield” for top players in global chip manufacturing.
TSMC may produce 2nm chips in Phoenix
According to Reuters, TSMC will build up to six factories in Arizona. There are reports that TSMC’s management is now discussing whether to use a more advanced 3nm process for its next plant in Arizona. If the 3nm process is adopted, the chip factory cost may be between $23 billion and $25 billion. An insider said that
“Because the (TSMC) Phoenix, Arizona plant will be expanded in the next 10 to 15 years, TSMC’s management has also drafted a plan to produce 2nm and more advanced process chips in Phoenix.”
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TSMC did not comment on the report, but TSMC CEO, Wei Zhejia, mentioned last month that TSMC’s “further expansion is possible” in Arizona. The company will evaluate factory production efficiency and customer needs before deciding on the next step.
TSMC’s 5nm process has a monthly production capacity of over 100,000 wafers
The world’s top chip manufacturers are already deploying 3nm R&D and production plans. However, the most advanced chip process that can be mass-produced is still 5nm. According to industry chain sources, the monthly capacity of TSMC’s 5nm process technology hit 90,000 wafers per month in the fourth quarter of last year. In the first half of this year, the company will output 105,000 wafers.
According to TSMC, it will invest between $10 billion and $12 billion in its chip business. This fund will be for the building of a new 5nm chip factory in Phoenix, Arizona. Compared with TSMC’s major plant (Fab-18), the plant is smaller in scale and is expected to produce 20,000 wafers per month.
Samsung and Intel are also investing in factory building
In addition to TSMC, Samsung also used EUV (extreme ultraviolet) lithography technology to mass-produce 5nm chips last year. The company’s production is mainly in its chip factory in Pyeongtaek, South Korea. In addition, Samsung plans to build another $17 billion factory near Austin, Texas, USA. There are also reports that Samsung is preparing to produce “advanced logic devices” at the new plant.
Intel also announced an investment of $20 billion in March this year. The company will use this fund to build two wafer fabs in Arizona, USA, and restart foundry services.