Taiwan’s TSMC progressing well with Arizona chip factory, governor says

TAIPEI, Aug 31 (Reuters) – Taiwanese chipmaker TSMC (2330.TW) is making “excellent” progress in building its new factory in Arizona, the U.S. state’s governor said on Wednesday, hailing the role of his state in training Taiwanese. fighter pilots.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Ltd (TSMC), a major supplier to Apple Inc (AAPL.O) and the world’s largest contract chipmaker, is building a $12 billion factory in Arizona.

Speaking at an investment conference during a visit to Taipei, Arizona Governor Doug Ducey recalled meeting with TSMC management in 2017 and then in 2020 announcing the investment.

“Just over two years later, TSMC has completed construction of its main facility and continues to make excellent progress,” he said, describing the site visit as “even more impressive in person.”

“In addition to TSMC’s historic investment, about two dozen Taiwan-based vendors find Arizona a good investment,” Ducey added.

TSMC said in an emailed statement that the governor and his team did not visit the company, but spoke with them.

“Thanks to the continued support of the Arizona State Government, representatives from TSMC, along with many supply chain partners, had an excellent discussion today with the Governor and his team about the plans investment in Arizona,” he said, without giving further details.

Ducey said Taiwanese companies also find Arizona’s partnership with Taiwan spans decades.

“As an example, for more than 25 years, Taiwanese pilots flying F-16 fighter jets have trained at Luke Air Force Base in west Phoenix. We are especially proud of Arizona’s role to help Taiwan strengthen its defense and protect its people.”

Ducey, is the latest in a succession of US officials to surrender, defying pressure from China that such trips not take place.

China claims Taiwan as its territory despite strong objections from the democratically elected government in Taipei, which rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims.

Ducey, a Republican, will meet Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen and companies in the semiconductor industry during his three-day trip.

Taiwan has hosted a succession of U.S. officials since a visit by a delegation led by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi earlier this month, which has infuriated China. Read more

Beijing responded to Pelosi’s visit with military exercises near the island that included ballistic missile launches over Taipei for the first time, and by cutting some lines of dialogue with Washington.

Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Kenneth Maxwell and Bernadette Baum

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