There are reports that TSMC will hold a completion ceremony for its factory in Arizona next month, and both President Biden and former President Trump may attend. However, Taiwanese media have indicated that a situation where both Biden and Trump appear together is unlikely.
According to the Taiwan-based newspaper “Electronic Times,” TSMC has tentatively scheduled the completion ceremony for the first week of December 2024, with the US President expected to attend. Both Biden and Trump could potentially participate, as the US election would have concluded by then. TSMC’s founder, Morris Chang, and Chairman Mark Liu are also expected to preside over the event.
On the other hand, the Taiwan-based newspaper “China Times” quoted sources saying that the invitation for both Biden and Trump to attend the event is a misunderstanding. The source mentioned that the idea of “Biden and Trump together” shows a lack of understanding of US politics. If TSMC were to invite Trump, it would be unlikely for Biden to attend, and vice versa.
The Arizona factory represents a $65 billion investment, with plans to construct three semiconductor facilities. TSMC has received a $6.6 billion direct subsidy from the US government, along with a 25% tax credit. The first phase was initially scheduled to start mass production with a 4-nanometer process in the second half of this year, but it has been delayed to the first quarter of next year. The second phase has been postponed to 2028, while the third factory is planned for 2-nanometer or A16 processes, with mass production targeted for 2030.