日本芯片制造，正式崛起

Core Viewpoint - TSMC plans to establish a more advanced chip production facility in Japan to enhance Japan's position in its supply chain, responding to the increasing demand for AI computing [1][4]. Group 1: TSMC's Expansion Plans - TSMC intends to produce 3nm chips in Kumamoto, Japan, making it the third advanced chip production center after Taiwan and the USA [1]. - The company held its quarterly board meeting in Kumamoto, marking its first overseas meeting in Japan, following a similar meeting in Arizona last year [1]. - TSMC's chairman, C.C. Wei, met with Japan's Prime Minister to discuss proposed changes to the second factory's plans, which was initially aimed at producing 6nm semiconductors for telecom and other applications [1]. Group 2: Capital Expenditure and Production Capacity - TSMC's capital expenditure has been cautious in recent years, with spending in 2023 and 2024 expected to be lower than in 2022, despite the rapid rise of AI technologies like ChatGPT [4]. - The company plans to invest between $52 billion and $56 billion, a 37% increase compared to 2025, to address the tight production capacity [4]. - TSMC aims to start mass production of cutting-edge 2nm chips in Taiwan by the end of 2025, with production lines in Hsinchu and Kaohsiung [5]. Group 3: Challenges and Market Trends - TSMC faces challenges in increasing production in Taiwan and the USA due to difficulties in hiring skilled workers, leading to delays in the Arizona factory construction [5]. - The initial plan for the Kumamoto facility was to supply chips for automotive manufacturers, but strong overseas demand for 3nm AI chips may shift its focus to becoming a larger export base [5]. - Nvidia has chosen the 3nm process for its next-generation AI graphics processor, indicating a sustained market demand for advanced chips [5].