TSMC’s $165B US Chip Investment: Largest Foreign Direct Investment in US History

March 4, 2025
2 mins read
TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company) on the exterior of a modern building. TSMC is one of the world's leading semiconductor manufacturers, supplying chips to major technology companies globally. (Photo Source: TSMC)
TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company) on the exterior of a modern building. TSMC is one of the world's leading semiconductor manufacturers, supplying chips to major technology companies globally. (Photo Source: TSMC)

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) has unveiled plans to invest an additional $100 billion in US chip manufacturing operations over the next four years, bringing its total planned US investment to $165 billion. The announcement marks the largest single foreign direct investment in US history.

TSMC Chairman and CEO Dr. C.C. Wei, alongside President Donald Trump, revealed the expansion will include three new fabrication plants, two advanced packaging facilities, and a major R&D center in Arizona.

“Back in 2020, thanks to President Trump’s vision and support, we embarked on our journey of establishing advanced chip manufacturing in the United States. This vision is now a reality,” said Wei during the White House announcement. “AI is reshaping our daily lives and semiconductor technology is the foundation for new capabilities and applications.”

The investment builds upon TSMC’s ongoing $65 billion commitment to its Arizona operations, where one fabrication plant is already in production since late 2024. The expansion is expected to create tens of thousands of high-tech jobs and support 40,000 construction jobs over the next four years.

President Trump called TSMC “the most powerful company in the world” and emphasized both economic and national security benefits. “It’s a matter of economic security, it’s also a matter of national security for us,” Trump stated, noting the investment would help TSMC diversify away from chipmaking in Taiwan.


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The announcement comes amid growing concerns about global semiconductor supply chains and increasing tensions between China and Taiwan. Taiwan currently produces around half of the world’s microchips and almost all of the most advanced ones.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick acknowledged that the investment would help TSMC “avoid paying tariffs,” as Trump has previously threatened 25% duties on semiconductor imports. Trump has repeatedly accused Taiwan of stealing America’s chip manufacturing business.

The expansion will support customers including Apple, NVIDIA, AMD, and Qualcomm. An Nvidia spokesperson said the company “will fully utilize TSMC’s global manufacturing network to enhance our supply agility and resilience.”

This investment follows recent announcements from other tech giants, including Apple’s planned $500 billion US investment and a $500 billion AI infrastructure project called Stargate from Oracle, OpenAI, and SoftBank.

TSMC’s Arizona site currently employs more than 3,000 people across 1,100 acres. The company also operates facilities in Washington state, Texas, and California.

FAQs

What exactly is TSMC planning to build in the US? TSMC is planning to build three new fabrication plants (fabs), two advanced packaging facilities, and a major R&D center in Arizona. These will be in addition to the company’s existing fab in Arizona and two others already in development there.
How many jobs will TSMC’s expansion create? According to the announcement, the expansion is expected to support 40,000 construction jobs over the next four years and create tens of thousands of high-paying, high-tech permanent jobs in advanced chip manufacturing and R&D.
Why is TSMC investing so much in the US now? The investment comes amid threats of tariffs from President Trump, who has accused Taiwan of stealing America’s semiconductor industry, and growing tensions between China and Taiwan. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick explicitly stated the investment would help TSMC “avoid paying tariffs” that would apply to imported chips.
What’s the significance of TSMC’s chips for AI development? TSMC manufactures advanced semiconductors that power AI systems for companies like Nvidia. These chips are essential for developing and running artificial intelligence applications that require massive computing power. CEO Wei emphasized that “AI is reshaping our daily lives and semiconductor technology is the foundation.”
How does this investment compare to others recently announced? At $100 billion, this new TSMC investment is part of a wave of recent tech investments in the US, including Apple’s announced $500 billion investment over four years and a $500 billion AI infrastructure project called Stargate from Oracle, OpenAI, and SoftBank.
Is the US becoming more self-sufficient in chip manufacturing with this investment? While this investment significantly boosts US chip manufacturing capacity, President Trump claimed it could help bring the US to 40% of the global chipmaking market. However, experts note this ambitious goal would take years to reach, as Taiwan currently produces around half of the world’s microchips and almost all of the most advanced ones.

Rahul Somvanshi

Rahul, possessing a profound background in the creative industry, illuminates the unspoken, often confronting revelations and unpleasant subjects, navigating their complexities with a discerning eye. He perpetually questions, explores, and unveils the multifaceted impacts of change and transformation in our global landscape. As an experienced filmmaker and writer, he intricately delves into the realms of sustainability, design, flora and fauna, health, science and technology, mobility, and space, ceaselessly investigating the practical applications and transformative potentials of burgeoning developments.

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