Recently, the news of TSMC's decision to build a factory in the United States has once again sparked heated discussions. It is widely believed that this is a long-term plan of the United States, which intends to control the global chip industry chain. Especially after ASML announced that it would give priority to the delivery of the most advanced EUV lithography machine to Intel, more foreign media bluntly said that TSMC has begun to be "stuck". This series of events indicates that the global chip industry may usher in major changes.
1. TSMC's construction of a factory in the United States has attracted attention
TSMC's decision to build a factory in the United States has attracted widespread attention in the industry. The outside world generally believes that this is a move that the United States has been planning for a long time. By receiving TSMC with a high profile, the United States intends to control the global chip industry chain and overhead TSMC's leading position in the global chip foundry market.
Although Zhang Zhongmou was well aware of the trickiness, he still made the decision to build a factory. On the one hand, TSMC does receive huge subsidies; On the other hand, building a factory in the United States is conducive to obtaining more orders from American companies, and it can also obtain key equipment and technology in advance to maintain its own advantages. However, the United States has set a high threshold for TSMC to hand over confidential information, and TSMC can receive far less subsidies than expected. ASML's priority to provide Intel with the most advanced EUV lithography machine has made it clear to the outside world the real intentions of the United States.
EUV lithography machine is a key equipment for chip manufacturing, which determines the upper limit and fate of chip companies. ASML's priority delivery of such devices to Intel clearly shows the ambition of the United States to favor Intel and support Intel to become the biggest winner in the chip industry.
First of all, Intel is currently behind TSMC and Samsung in terms of manufacturing processes, but it is the first in the industry in terms of transistor density. Obtained the right of first refusal to purchase EUV equipment, laying the foundation for Intel's subsequent overtaking. Secondly, Intel's transformation into foundry will greatly increase the number of orders, which is conducive to turning its manufacturing business into profits. Moreover, the United States vigorously promotes domestic chip manufacturing, will not tolerate the core technology in the hands of TSMC, and will fully support Intel to regain the dominance of the manufacturing industry.
ASML's decision sends a signal to the outside world: the chip industry may usher in a new restructuring of the pattern, and Intel is likely to become the biggest winner. At the same time, TSMC's position will be gradually eroded.
The White House has made it clear that it wants to regain the dominance of chip manufacturing at home, and vigorously supporting Intel is its key measure. Intel is on track to achieve its 2025 production capacity breakthrough goal with support from all sides. At the same time, if TSMC sends more high-end production capacity to the United States, it will inevitably be further restricted by the White House, and may eventually become a foundry with no right to speak.
Fourth, TSMC should respond cautiously
In the face of possible changes, TSMC needs to respond cautiously. It needs to find ways to hold on to its position as the world's largest foundry and gain control of more capacity. It should also strengthen cooperation with other large markets to reduce the risk of over-dependence on the United States and avoid being "cooked" by the White House.
Although the situation is grim, as long as it seizes its own advantages, TSMC still has a chance to reverse the passive situation. This requires foresight and determination on the part of the company's top management, who are cautious in dealing with all forces and safeguarding the company's long-term interests.
To sum up, ASML's decision indicates that the global chip landscape is facing a restructuring and TSMC's position is threatened. This is an industrial game led by the United States, and TSMC needs to assess the situation, fight steadily, and seek the best way out. We are waiting for the new pattern of the chip industry.