锐评｜台积电还经得起美国剥几次皮

Core Viewpoint - The recent trade agreement between the U.S. and Taiwan involves a significant reduction in tariffs on Taiwanese goods and a commitment from Taiwanese chip companies, including TSMC, to invest at least $250 billion in U.S. semiconductor production, indicating a strategic move by the U.S. to bring semiconductor manufacturing back to its territory [1][3]. Group 1: Investment and Economic Implications - The U.S. will lower tariffs on Taiwanese goods from 20% to 15% as part of the agreement [1]. - Taiwanese chip companies are expected to invest a minimum of $250 billion in expanding semiconductor production in the U.S., including the construction of five new fabs by TSMC in Arizona [1]. - TSMC's previous investments in the U.S. amounted to $40 billion, with the company facing significantly higher operational costs compared to its facilities in Taiwan [3][4]. Group 2: Political and Strategic Context - U.S. Commerce Secretary stated that this investment is essentially a $500 billion upfront payment to relocate semiconductor production back to the U.S., with a goal to transfer 40% of Taiwan's semiconductor supply chain [3]. - The article suggests that the U.S. aims to fully integrate TSMC into its semiconductor ecosystem, effectively transforming it into a U.S.-based entity, referred to as "American TSMC" [4]. - The Taiwanese government is criticized for its compliance with U.S. demands, which some view as detrimental to Taiwan's own semiconductor industry and sovereignty [5][7]. Group 3: Industry Challenges and Concerns - TSMC's operational costs in the U.S. are reported to be over twice the labor costs in Taiwan, with depreciation costs for wafers being four times higher, and profit margins significantly lower [4]. - The article highlights concerns that the U.S. strategy may lead to the dismantling of Taiwan's semiconductor industry, positioning it as a low-end processing hub under U.S. control [4][5]. - Historical parallels are drawn to past instances where U.S. actions led to the decline of other countries' leading industries, suggesting a pattern of economic dominance [4].