Core Viewpoint - TSMC is accelerating the construction of its new factory in Arizona, aiming for mass production of 2nm and A16 processes by 2027, one year ahead of the original 2028 schedule, driven by strong demand from US clients and geopolitical considerations [2][3]. Group 1: TSMC's Production Plans - TSMC's Arizona factory is expected to start mass production of the A16 process in 2027, with the 2nm process also being expedited [2]. - The first wafer fab in Arizona is set to begin mass production using 4nm technology in Q4 2024, achieving yield rates comparable to those in Taiwan [2]. - The second fab, utilizing 3nm technology, has been completed, and TSMC is seeing strong interest from advanced US clients, prompting an acceleration of production timelines [2]. Group 2: Geopolitical Context - The acceleration of TSMC's US manufacturing reflects the strong demand for local production from American clients and aims to mitigate geopolitical risks [2]. - The US government has proposed a "50-50" chip production model, emphasizing the need for TSMC to increase its manufacturing presence in the US [5][6]. - TSMC's strategy aligns with the US's broader goals of protecting strategic industries and responding to potential tariffs on chips [3][5]. Group 3: Future Considerations - TSMC plans to produce 2nm chips in Taiwan by the second half of 2025 and A16 chips by the second half of 2026 [3]. - The company is considering further accelerating production in response to strong AI-related demand from clients [2]. - TSMC's future strategies must focus on maintaining its competitive edge amid evolving US policies and market dynamics [7].

Group 1 - The largest onshore wind power project in China, with a capacity of 1.5 million kilowatts, officially commenced commercial operation on September 14. This project utilizes 150 units of 10-megawatt wind turbines, marking it as the largest onshore wind power project in the country [2] - A new type of offshore floating liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility, the NGUYA FLNG, was successfully delivered on September 14. This facility has a total length of 376 meters and a storage capacity of 180,000 cubic meters of LNG and 45,000 cubic meters of LPG, with an annual LNG production capacity of 2.4 million tons. It will be deployed in the Congo (Brazzaville) offshore area, showcasing China's advancements in high-value-added marine engineering equipment manufacturing [2] - An international team has made a significant breakthrough in microchip manufacturing by developing a new material and process that enables the production of smaller, faster, and lower-cost high-performance chips. This research lays the foundation for next-generation chip manufacturing and was published in the latest issue of Nature Chemical Engineering [2] Group 2 - Nvidia is expected to be the first to adopt TSMC's A16 process, which is set to enter mass production in the second half of next year. This process will utilize backside power supply technology and will be the first time AI applications lead TSMC's most advanced process [3]

Core Viewpoint - Apple is significantly increasing its orders for 2nm process chips from TSMC, potentially contributing up to NT$1 trillion (approximately RMB 239.7 billion) in revenue this year, representing a year-on-year growth of over 60% [2]. Group 1: Apple and TSMC Relationship - Apple has placed substantial orders for 2nm chips with TSMC, with expected revenue contribution rising to NT$800 billion to NT$1 trillion this year [2]. - The revenue forecast for 2024 from Apple to TSMC was initially estimated at NT$624.3 billion (approximately RMB 149.64 billion) [2]. - The ability to reach the NT$1 trillion target depends on the ramp-up of production capacity at TSMC's new facility in Arizona and the 2nm capacity in Taiwan [2]. Group 2: Future Plans and Innovations - Apple CEO Tim Cook announced plans to procure over 19 billion chips across multiple states in the U.S. for the fiscal year 2025, including millions of advanced process chips produced in Arizona [2]. - Since the launch of the Apple Silicon initiative, Apple's computer product line has fully adopted its self-designed M-series chips, all manufactured by TSMC [2]. - Rumors suggest that Apple's upcoming M5 chip will utilize TSMC's N3P process, with pre-orders for the first batch of 2nm and even more advanced A16 process capacity [2]. Group 3: Cost Savings and New Technologies - The recent teardown of the iPhone 16e revealed that it is the first model to use Apple's self-developed 5G modem chip, which is based on TSMC's 5nm N4P process, resulting in a cost saving of $10 per device [2].