(News) TSMC plans to produce 2nm in the US, with 1nm fabs said to be in Teinan

Citing industry sources, Commercial Times reports that TSMC’s Arizona Wafer Fab Fab, Fab 21 Phase 1, officially registered mass production with the 4NM process in the first quarter of this year. Monthly capacity is expected to reach 30,000 wafers by year.

Meanwhile, the construction of Phase 2 and Phase 3 of Fab 21 is expected to move on to this year and the next position as the completion of this year and the next facility is scheduled for 2025 and 2027, respectively. These expansions include cleanroom and utility installations, gradually introducing TSMC’s 2NM process nanosheet transistor structures, further strengthening US manufacturing capabilities.

The same report suggests that industry observers believe TSMC may add sophisticated packaging capabilities to Texas and fill important gaps in the chip manufacturing process.

Additionally, the Commercial Times is rumoured that the TSMC board of directors will hold a meeting in the US on February 12th. Sources in the semiconductor industry point out that it follows a TSMC visit on AI policy following discussion between former President Donald Trump and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang. The United States serves multiple purposes. Beyond on-site testing of the new fab, the trip underscores the company’s commitment to US semiconductor manufacturing.

TSMC’s 1nm Fab set is for Tainan

Apart from that, the report suggests TSMC’s 1NM Fab will be in Shalun, Tainan. According to Economic Daily News, the company has designated the facility as Fab 25 and plans to build a Gigafab that can accommodate six fabs. The purpose of the site selection is to enhance the synergy of the advanced manufacturing clusters of TSMC in southern Taiwan and integrate it with Taiwan’s wider semiconductor ecosystems, including the science parks of Qiai, Kaohsiung and Pingtun.

Official TSMC answer

In response, TSMC said that site selection includes multiple considerations, highlighting that Taiwan remains the main operational hub with all options open. The company advised that official announcements should be referenced for the most accurate information.

(Photo credit: TSMC)