TSMC’s US victory over Samsung: Production starts months before schedule

TSMC gained a significant lead over Samsung in the US semiconductor market. The company has managed to kick off full-scale semiconductor production at its US fab. Meanwhile, Samsung is failing to meet deadlines decided by itself.

BusinessKorea reports that TSMC has started full-scale production of mobile semiconductors at its US facility. The report says that the company started production months ahead of the date set by its original plan and secured clients.

Taiwanese media reported that TSMC produced a 4nm A16 processor for Apple iPhone at its Arizona US facility. The processor is said to be used in the iPhone SE 4, which will tentatively release in early 2025.

Samsung tried to chase TSMC in the US, however, things did not go well. The company has delayed the start of its Taylor plant from late 2024 to early 2025. There are many legal and administrative reasons behind the delay in Texas fab.

On the other hand, TSMC plans to expand the number of its fabs to six by 2030. The company already has two fabs under construction in Arizona.

“TSMC is dominating the foundry market while Samsung and Intel are struggling,” said a foundry industry insider. “It is urgent to finalize the timing of the subsidies in consultation with the U.S. government to narrow its market share gap with TSMC.”

US CHIPS

The US Govt hasn’t yet sanctioned a CHIPS subsidy to Samsung Elec. There are assumptions that the completion date may be further pushed back due to delay in subsidy alongside rising construction costs in the US.