TSMC announced on December 6, 2022 that it has started building a second chip factory in Phoenix, Arizona, raising its planned investment there to about $40 billion. Apple, AMD and Nvidia said they will be among the first customers.
The fabs
- The first fab is scheduled to begin making 4nm (N4) chips in 2024, an upgrade from the 5nm first disclosed.
- The second fab is scheduled to begin making 3nm chips in 2026.
- TSMC called the roughly $40 billion total the largest foreign direct investment in Arizona history and one of the largest in USA history.
- The two fabs are expected to make more than 600,000 wafers a year and create about 10,000 high-tech jobs, including 4,500 direct TSMC jobs.
Apple and other customers
- The announcement came at a ceremony marking the arrival of the first production tools. President Biden, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, Apple CEO Tim Cook, AMD CEO Lisa Su and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang attended.
- The Verge reported that Apple, AMD and Nvidia confirmed they would buy chips from the Arizona fabs. None said how many.
- Apple’s A16 iPhone chips and M2 Mac chips at the time were made on 5nm technology overseas.
“And now, thanks to the hard work of so many people, these chips can be proudly stamped ‘Made in America.’”
Tim Cook, CEO, Apple
“Apple had to buy all the advanced chips from overseas. Now we’re going to do more of their supply chain here at home.”
President Joe Biden
FAQ
How much is TSMC investing in Arizona?
About $40 billion across two fabs.
When do the fabs start production?
4nm in 2024 and 3nm in 2026, per the December 2022 plan.
Who will buy the chips?
Apple, AMD and Nvidia said they would be early customers.
Source & credit
Source: TSMC, December 6, 2022: “TSMC Announces Updates for TSMC Arizona”.
Also: The Verge, December 6, 2022: “Tim Cook and President Joe Biden came to Arizona to announce plans for American-made chips”.