Taiwan's TSMC, the world's largest foundry (semiconductor contract manufacturing) company, is reportedly considering acquiring a 20% stake in the foundry service (IFS) division of struggling U.S. semiconductor company Intel, according to Taiwanese media on the 17th.
Taiwan's United Daily News and others, citing sources, reported that TSMC is considering acquiring shares related to Intel's IFS, which is planned to be spun off at the request of the second Trump administration.
The source explained that TSMC is considering investment as a method of acquiring the shares. However, details such as the acquisition method and amount have not yet been decided.
Another source emphasized that the main purpose of the Trump administration's pressure on TSMC is to enhance Intel's wafer manufacturing capabilities and strengthen the "Made in America" policy. They added that ultimately, the U.S. side aims to compete with TSMC's foundry business and solidify the existing U.S. industry's integrated circuit (IC) design position.
In this regard, Bloomberg also reported on the 14th, citing sources, that TSMC is reviewing a plan to acquire and operate a stake in Intel's factory at the request of the Trump administration.
The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on the 15th that following TSMC, Broadcom is also interested in acquiring Intel's business division. WSJ noted that if the deal materializes, Intel, a symbolic presence in the U.S. semiconductor industry, could be split into two.
Earlier, on the 13th, President Trump announced the imposition of "reciprocal tariffs" on countries worldwide, stating, "We need semiconductors to be manufactured in the United States." He added, "Most of the semiconductors we use are produced in Taiwan, and some in South Korea," and said, "We want those companies to come to our country," further stating, "Taiwan took our semiconductor business. We want that business to come back."
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