GlobalWafers Expands Overseas Chip-Making Capacity Amid Tariff Concerns: Taiwan’s Silicon Powerhouse Takes Preemptive Measures

GlobalWafers from Taiwan is increasing its semiconductor production capabilities abroad due to concerns over potential tariffs. The company, which is the third largest silicon wafer supplier globally, is growing its operations in America and Europe. CEO Doris Hsu has voiced worries about a possible 'special tariff'.

GlobalWafers is proactively expanding its production facilities abroad, predicting an increase in chip material tariffs. This highlights the mounting anticipation that reciprocal trade actions will disturb the semiconductor supply chain in the near future.

The third biggest supplier of silicon wafers globally is broadening its manufacturing facilities in six out of the nine countries it has operations in. This includes two factories in the United States, one in Italy, and another in Denmark.

GlobalWafers CEO and Chairwoman, Doris Hsu, has expressed to Bloomberg Television her belief that not just the US, but several other nations as well, will likely impose distinct tariffs on the industry. She also suggested that these potential tariffs could be circumvented through the transition to domestic manufacturing.

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TSMC, the world's biggest contract chip manufacturer, has officially opened its first facility in Japan.

The perspective of global governments on semiconductor technology has significantly shifted towards national security, due to the chip shortages experienced during and post the Covid-19 pandemic. These shortages severely impacted numerous sectors, including the automobile industry. Additionally, escalating geopolitical conflicts have heightened the urgency of the situation.