- Intel and TSMC agree on a chipmaking joint venture in the U.S.
- TSMC to own 20% stake in the venture; remaining 80% uncertain
What happened: The strategic impact on the U.S. semiconductor industry
Intel and TSMC have reportedly reached a preliminary agreement to establish a joint venture aimed at operating Intel’s semiconductor fabs in the U.S. According to a report from Reuters, which cites sources familiar with the matter, TSMC is set to own a 20% stake in the venture. The remaining 80% stake’s ownership has not yet been confirmed, though it is believed that several U.S.-based fabless chip designers, including AMD, Broadcom, Nvidia, and Qualcomm, were approached by TSMC earlier this year to invest in the partnership. Despite this, Nvidia and a TSMC board member later denied these discussions.
The arrangement is seen as a response to Intel’s ongoing production challenges, particularly regarding its IDM 2.0 strategy. Sources suggest that the U.S. government, including the White House and Department of Commerce, played a role in the agreement, seeing it as a necessary step to stabilise Intel’s operations. This collaboration comes amidst Intel’s struggles to maintain leadership in both semiconductor products and production technologies. There are also concerns about Intel’s fabs being sold to foreign investors, with the U.S. government taking a firm stance against such transactions.
At present, the specifics of TSMC’s involvement in Intel’s U.S. fabs, which collectively cost tens of billions of dollars, remain unclear. Intel’s fabs are primarily set up to produce processors for Intel itself, though a few may be capable of manufacturing chips on Intel’s advanced 18A fabrication technology. The deal also raises questions about how TSMC’s stake aligns with its existing investments, including plans to invest $165 million in its Arizona Fab 21 site for Apple’s chips.
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Why it’s important
This joint venture is crucial for several reasons. First, it marks a significant shift in the semiconductor manufacturing landscape, where Intel, once a dominant player in chip production, has struggled to keep up with technological advancements. TSMC’s entry into this venture brings valuable expertise, particularly as it continues to lead in advanced semiconductor process technologies. Intel’s need for stabilisation is apparent, with the company facing multiple operational hurdles and market challenges that have hindered its ability to keep pace with rivals such as AMD.
For TSMC, this partnership presents an opportunity to expand its presence in the U.S., an important market for chip manufacturing. The collaboration could also offer TSMC a more diversified revenue stream, helping it mitigate risks associated with its reliance on a few large customers, such as Apple. The U.S. government’s involvement underscores its strategic interest in maintaining semiconductor production within its borders, an effort heightened by ongoing concerns about supply chain security and economic competitiveness.
Investors have reacted strongly to the announcement, with Intel’s stock price rising nearly 7%, indicating positive expectations for the deal. In contrast, TSMC’s shares fell by about 6%, suggesting that market sentiment around the agreement differs between the two companies. The differing investor responses highlight the complex dynamics of the global semiconductor industry and the challenges faced by both Intel and TSMC in navigating their respective roles in this joint venture.
