半导体行业观察·2025-03-28 01:00Core Viewpoint - TSMC's investment in U.S. factories aims to enhance semiconductor production capabilities, but there are significant delays in technology advancement compared to Taiwan, potentially impacting Apple's future chip production [1][2][3] Group 1: TSMC's U.S. Expansion - TSMC has invested billions in its U.S. factories, including a second facility in Arizona set to produce 3nm chips by 2028 and a third facility for 2nm chips expected to be completed by the end of 2030 [1][2] - The production processes in the U.S. will lag behind Taiwan by approximately five years, affecting the availability of advanced chips for Apple [1][2] - Currently, the Arizona factory is producing A16 chips using the N4 process, while Apple will rely on TSMC's Taiwan operations for 2nm chips until the U.S. facilities are operational [2][3] Group 2: Supply Chain and Strategic Implications - Establishing factories in the U.S. helps diversify production and mitigate supply chain disruptions, aligning with Apple's strategy to reduce reliance on Chinese manufacturing [3] - However, this shift may diminish the importance of TSMC's Taiwan operations in the global semiconductor landscape [3] Group 3: Industry Perspectives - Former Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger expressed skepticism about TSMC's ability to restore U.S. leadership in semiconductor manufacturing, emphasizing the need for R&D to be conducted in the U.S. [5][6] - Gelsinger highlighted that TSMC's core R&D will remain in Taiwan, limiting the potential impact of U.S. manufacturing investments [5][6] - He also pointed out that merely investing in manufacturing is insufficient; technological innovation and cost efficiency are crucial for future competitiveness in the semiconductor industry [7]